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The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV to request his intervention regarding the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, characterized by issues of supply shortages, energy, and the functioning of basic services.
According to the German outlet Deutsche Welle (DW), the Chilean Presidential Secretariat explained that the letter expressed the government's concern regarding the worsening living conditions on the island, including difficulties in food supply, hospital operations, public transportation, and access to electricity.
The letter was delivered to the apostolic nuncio in Chile, Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, during a meeting held at the Palacio de La Moneda.
In it, Boric stated that, beyond ideological differences, humanitarian well-being must take precedence over conflicts between states.
The Chilean president also stated that any sustainable solution to the Cuban situation will require progress in terms of democracy and human rights, including the situation of individuals detained for political reasons, according to the official statement cited by DW.
In parallel, the government of Chile announced the sending of one million dollars in aid to Cuba through UNICEF, joining other international humanitarian assistance initiatives.
The crisis on the island has worsened amid energy pressures resulting from restrictions on fuel supply, which have directly impacted the electrical system and the overall functioning of the economy.
In this context, Boric chose to turn to the Vatican as an entity with moral and diplomatic influence to contribute to a potential solution to the situation.
Recently, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren confirmed that Chile will allocate 1 million dollars in humanitarian aid for Cuba —equivalent to 862 million Chilean pesos—amid the energy and fuel crisis affecting the island.
The official also emphasized that the contribution does not imply political support for the Cuban government, according to reports in Chilean media.
Van Klaveren specified that the assistance will be channeled through UNICEF, and not delivered to Cuban authorities.
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