The Catholic Bishop Conference of Cuba He issued a statement on Monday in which he expressed his regret for he death of Pope Francis, occurred in the Vatican at age 88 after a stroke.
The group highlighted its legacy of “mercy, dialogue and hope” during the twelve years of its pontificate.
In The messageCuban bishops stood out The Pontiff’s commitment to “the poorest and most vulnerable”as well as his dedication to the unity of the Church and his love to Christ.
“His legacy of mercy, dialogue and hope will continue to inspire present and future generations,” said the statement.
The Episcopal Conference convened All dioceses of the country to celebrate masses for the eternal rest of Pope Francis and called the faithful to unite in prayer for the future of the Catholic Church.
“In this moment of mourning, the bishops, priests, religious and faithful of Cuba raise our prayers for the eternal rest of his soul.”
He also requested comfort and strength for the Cardinal College, the Roman curia and all the Catholics in the world who regret their departure, also extending their condolences to relatives and relatives of the Pontiff.
Díaz-Canel recalls the “close affection and cordial” of the Pope with the Cubans
The statement did not mention The decisive role that Pope Francis had in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States During the administration of the former president Barack Obama.
According to the agency EFEthe document did not refer to the recent Vatican mediation in negotiations between Havana and Washington, which included the release of more than 500 Cuban prisoners.
Pope Francis and his relationship with Cuba
Francisco visited Cuba in 2015. It was the third consecutive Pope to step on Cuban soil after the visits of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
During his stay, he officiated mass masses, met with religious leaders and held an informal meeting with the former president Fidel Castro.
In his public interventions, he called for justice, peace, freedom and reconciliation.
The death of Pope Francis ends a pontificate characterized by the defense of the needythe impulse of reforms within the Church and an active participation in international diplomacy, said EFE.
| #Papafrancisco: “I love the Cuban people very much…#Cuba It is a symbol. Cuba has a big story. ”
As the president wrote @Diazcanelb: “We will remember with great affection your visits to Cuba and the words of affection he dedicated to our country in his messages.” pic.twitter.com/jd3luxmfxq
– Cuba Presidency (@presidenciacuba) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis maintained a particularly close relationship with Cuba, after his official visit in 2015 during an apostolic tour that marked a key moment in the relations between the island and the Vatican.
During the Mass in the Plaza de la Revolution, in the capital, Francisco called for solidarity and service to neighbor.
“The importance of a person is always based on how the fragility of his brothers serves. In that we find one of the fruits of a true humanity,” he said in his homily.
And he concluded with a phrase that was recorded in many faithful: “Who does not live to serve, does not serve to live.”
On that trip, the Pontiff held meetings with Fidel Castro and the then president Raúl Castro.
He also shared spaces with young people, members of the clergy and representatives of various religious communities.
The visit coincided with a key moment in the recent history of the island: The restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United Statesduring President Barack Obama’s second term.
The Vatican played an active role as a mediator in that bilateral approach, known as the “thaw.”
