Pope Leo expressed deep concern on Sunday about the increasing tensions between the United States and Cuba, and he urged both sides to pursue “sincere and effective dialogue” to prevent violence and further hardship for the Cuban people.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that tariffs would be applied to imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba, intensifying pressure on the long‑standing adversary after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a major Cuban ally, in early January. Trump described the tariff threat as necessary to safeguard “U.S. national security and foreign policy from the Cuban regime’s harmful actions and policies.”
Pope Leo said he had learned of the rising tensions “with great concern,” and in remarks after his weekly Angelus prayer, he joined Cuban bishops in urging those in authority to promote genuine dialogue in order to avoid violence and reduce suffering for the people of Cuba.
Trump also predicted last week that “Cuba will be failing pretty soon,” noting that Venezuela, once the island’s primary oil supplier, had not recently sent oil or financial support to Cuba.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, responded to the U.S. tariff warning by declaring an “international emergency,” calling the move “an unusual and extraordinary threat.”
On Saturday, Trump reiterated his call for negotiations between Cuba and the United States, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis.”