The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba expressed its deepest condolences this Monday for the passing of Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and called on the faithful of the country to unite in prayer and celebrate Masses in his memory.
In an official statement signed in Havana, the Cuban bishops expressed their spiritual communion with the Universal Church and highlighted the legacy of faith, mercy, and commitment to the poor that characterized Pope Francis' pontificate during his 12 years at the helm of the Holy See.
"Pope Francis was a faithful shepherd, a man of deep faith, and an tireless servant of the Gospel," the message stated, acknowledging his work for the unity of the Church and his constant call for dialogue and hope.
On behalf of the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful from all over Cuba, the Conference offered prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of the Supreme Pontiff and requested comfort for his family, friends, and all Catholics around the world who mourn his loss, including members of the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia.
The message includes a quote from the second letter to the Corinthians (“Blessed be God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercy and God of all comfort!”) as an expression of faith in the resurrection and as motivation to continue the legacy of Pope Francis.
As part of the mourning activities, the bishops invited all dioceses in the country to celebrate Masses in suffrage for Pope Francis and to join in prayer for the future of the Church, entrusting themselves to the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to bear this moment of sadness with faith and hope.
The statement was issued on April 21, 2025, signed with "deep respect and ecclesial communion" by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba.
The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his sorrow this Monday over the passing of Pope Francis, whom he remembered fondly for his gestures towards the Cuban people and his visit to the island.
"We deeply regret the passing of the unforgettable Pope Francis," Díaz-Canel wrote on his social media X account, in a message where he highlighted the expressions of affection and closeness that, he said, the pontiff had towards those born on the island. "They were always reciprocated by Cubans," he added.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Pope Francis and the Reaction of the Church in Cuba
How have the Cuban bishops reacted to the death of Pope Francis?
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba expressed its deepest condolences for the passing of Pope Francis and called upon the faithful of the country to unite in prayer and hold Masses in his memory. The bishops highlighted the legacy of faith, mercy, and commitment to the poor that characterized Pope Francis's pontificate.
What legacy did Pope Francis leave during his papacy?
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pontiff, leaves a legacy of a more open, compassionate, and committed Church towards the marginalized. His work focused on peace, the environment, interreligious dialogue, and the fight against abuse within the Church.
What was Pope Francis's relationship with Cuba and its government?
Pope Francis maintained a close relationship with the Cuban regime, visiting the island in 2015 and participating in dialogues that facilitated the diplomatic thaw between Cuba and the United States. During his pontificate, he was criticized for not speaking out openly about the repression on the island.
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