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Santeros and worshippers of the Afro-Cuban tradition gathered this Saturday in Havana to conduct a spiritual mass in which they prayed for the health of pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for over two weeks in a Rome hospital due to bilateral pneumonia.
The celebration took place at the headquarters of the Cultural Yoruba Association of Cuba, an official religious organization, where attendees raised prayers and performed rituals in honor of the Supreme Pontiff.
A note published by the Association on Facebook specified that the ceremony was attended by its president, Roberto Padrón, and Gloria Esperanza Reyes, the institution's historian, who led the ceremony.
Other members of the board of directors, the seven senior councils, associates, guests, and the general public also participated, all of whom expressed their wishes for health for His Holiness.
In photos shared by the Association, one can see that in one of the spacious halls of the venue, decorated with monumental statues of Afro-Cuban deities, a group of people, mostly women dressed in white with turbans and necklaces representing their protective orishas, sang chants and danced.
In front of a table covered with a white cloth, the believers placed offerings of flowers, glasses of water, and lit candles, seeking the intercession of the deities of the Yoruba pantheon.
The ceremony was presided over by the iyalocha and historian of the Association, Gloria Esperanza Reyes, 82 years old, who led the prayers for the health of the Pontiff.
"A mass was held for the health of Pope Francis. We want him to recover as soon as possible.", Reyes declared in an interview with The Associated Press following the completion of the ritual.
During the ceremony, the attendees blessed themselves with water, raised their arms in a gesture of supplication, and recited prayers, including the Our Father.
"For Pope Francis to be saved, to be saved", they repeated several times in unison, responding to themselves with a fervent "So be it, so be it."
The believers raised their prayers to San Lázaro, known in santería as Babalú Ayé, the deity of illness and healing; to Yemayá, the goddess of the waters, syncretized with the Virgin of Regla; and to San Miguel, represented in Afro-Cuban tradition by Oggún, the warrior and protector.
The same Saturday, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Cuba called for a day of prayer for the health of Pope Francis, urging the faithful and all people of good will to "join in prayer that the Lord may assist the Pope during this time of illness, as well as the doctors and other personnel who are caring for him."
The Pope's health status and his message from the hospital
Meanwhile, Pope Francis was continuing his recovery at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
On Sunday, he received a visit from the Vatican Secretary of State, and although he was unable to offer his traditional Sunday blessing, he sent a message to the faithful via the Vatican.
In his letter, the Supreme Pontiff expressed gratitude to the doctors and healthcare staff for their care, as well as to those who have prayed for his swift recovery. He also called for world peace, with special emphasis on the war in Ukraine
"From here, the war seems even more absurd," wrote Francisco, reflecting on human fragility and the need to trust in God during times of illness. "I feel in my heart the blessing that lies within fragility, because it is precisely in these moments, when illness makes us more vulnerable, that we learn all the more to trust in the Lord," he concluded.
The Vatican reported that the Pontiff remained stable over the weekend, with periods during which he did not require assisted ventilation, although he continued to receive supplemental oxygen. However, doctors remain on alert regarding the progression of his health status.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santeria Ceremony for the Health of Pope Francis
Why did Cuban santeros hold a ceremony for the health of Pope Francis?
Cuban santeros held a ceremony to pray for the health of Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized in Rome due to bilateral pneumonia. The ceremony took place at the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba, where prayers and rituals were performed in honor of the Pontiff, seeking the intercession of the deities of the Yoruba pantheon for his swift recovery.
Which deities were invoked during the ceremony by Pope Francis?
During the ceremony, the believers invoked Saint Lazarus, known in Santería as Babalú Ayé, the deity of illness and healing; Yemayá, the goddess of the waters; and Saint Michael, represented by Oggún, the warrior and protector. These deities from the Yoruba pantheon were called upon to intercede for the health of Pope Francis.
What is the current health status of Pope Francis?
Pope Francis remains in critical but stable condition at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Although his medical situation is delicate, he has shown slight improvement, allowing him to resume some activities from his room. He continues to receive supplemental oxygen as part of his treatment.
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