Catholic bishops in Cuba have cautioned that recent restrictions on oil supplies could intensify suffering among the many country’s poorest communities and risk triggering social instability, as tensions rise between Havana and Washington.
According to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which has been a long-standing supporter of the Cuban Church, the bishops appealed to “all Cubans of goodwill”, with a selected plea directed at political leaders and decision-makers.
The message, read in Catholic parishes nationwide, warned that further pressure on fuel access would fall most heavily on vulnerable families already struggling to survive.
The intervention follows a choice announced on January 26 by US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on countries that proceed supplying oil to Cuba, a move that has further strained relations between the US and the island nation.
Cuba is amongst essentially the most economically deprived countries in Latin America, with widespread inflation, food shortages and protracted poverty affecting every day life.
Church leaders said these pressures have worsened in recent months, leaving many individuals apprehensive about their future.
As reported by ACN, the bishops warned of their statement that the prospect of fuel blockades had caused particular anxiety amongst those with the least means.
They said the likelihood of unrest and violence was real, adding that “no Cuban of goodwill would rejoice on this.”
While acknowledging the necessity for reform, the bishops stressed that additional hardship was not the reply.
They said: “No more lack of life or mourning inside Cuban families. We have had enough of this in our recent history!
“We want – and hope for – a recent, prosperous, and completely satisfied Cuba, but not on the expense of the suffering of the country’s poor, of the elderly, of the sick and of the youngsters.”
The statement placed strong emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy because the only sustainable path forward.
The bishops echoed the long-standing position of the Holy See that international disputes needs to be resolved through negotiation quite than coercion, warning that punitive measures risk compounding injustice quite than resolving it.
They added: “Because, by talking, men can understand one another. And every time there’s good will, it is feasible to search out ways to resolve conflicts and seek the triumph of truth and goodness, of justice, love and freedom.”
That appeal was reinforced recently by Pope Leo XIV when he addressed hundreds of pilgrims in Rome, saying: “I echo the message of the Cuban bishops, inviting all responsible parties to advertise a sincere and effective dialogue, with the intention to avoid violence and each motion that might increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people.”
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