Pope Francis expresses concern over escalating U.S.-Cuba tensions

Pope Leo XIV expressed "great concern" Sunday over escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba, calling on all leaders to pursue "sincere and effective dialogue" to prevent violence and further suffering for the Cuban people.

Speaking from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace following the traditional Angelus prayer in Vatican City, the pontiff aligned himself with a message issued Saturday by Cuba's Conference of Catholic Bishops. "I join the message of the Cuban bishops, inviting all those responsible to promote sincere and effective dialogue, in order to avoid violence and any action that could increase the suffering of the beloved Cuban people," Leo XIV said to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The pope's statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Cuba through executive orders and tariff threats. On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on countries supplying petroleum to Cuba, characterizing the island as an "exceptional threat" to U.S. national security. The administration stated the measure aims to "protect national security and foreign policy from malign actions of the Cuban regime" and accused Cuba's government of supporting "hostile actors, terrorism and regional instability."

Trump's escalated focus on Cuba followed a military operation in early January in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a Cuban ally and the island's primary energy supplier. The operation resulted in over 100 Venezuelan and Cuban deaths, with Maduro subsequently transferred to a U.S. federal court to face drug trafficking charges, which he has denied.

The Cuban church warned Saturday that Washington's threats to impose tariffs on petroleum suppliers would worsen living conditions on the island. Mexico, which had emerged as Cuba's main crude oil provider after Venezuelan supplies diminished, confirmed this week that it would halt shipments. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the interruption of energy deliveries amid the pressure from Washington.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Florida on Sunday, Trump stated: "We are beginning to talk with Cuba" and "they will probably come to us and want to reach a deal." He suggested that economic pressure measures would compel Cuba to negotiate.

The pope also expressed hope that the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, beginning Friday, would serve as an opportunity for "concrete gestures of détente and dialogue." He noted that major sporting events constitute "a strong message of fraternity and rekindle hope for a world at peace," referencing the concept of an Olympic truce.