Pope Leo Calls for Dialogue as U.S.–Cuba Tensions Escalate

Reuters

Pope Leo XIV leads the ecumenical Vespers at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls in Rome, Italy.

Pope Leo has voiced deep concern over rising tensions between the United States and Cuba, urging both sides to engage in “sincere and effective dialogue” to prevent violence and further suffering for the Cuban people, Reuters has reported.

The pontiff made the appeal after his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, saying he had received reports “with great concern” about the deteriorating situation between Washington and Havana. He joined the Cuban bishops in calling on those responsible to promote constructive talks and discourage actions that could increase hardship for ordinary Cubans.

Pope Leo’s intervention follows a recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that tariffs would be imposed on imports from countries supplying Cuba with oil, part of an effort to exert pressure on the Cuban government after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a key Cuban ally. President Trump described the tariff threat as necessary to protect “U.S. national security and foreign policy” from what he termed the Cuban regime’s “malign actions and policies.”

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded by declaring an “international emergency” in the face of the U.S. tariff warning, calling it “an unusual and extraordinary threat” with serious implications for global peace and security.

President Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his call for negotiations, saying the situation “doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis.” 

Source: Reuters



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