Pope Leo Calls for US-Cuba Dialogue to Prevent Crisis and Violence

Pope Leo XIV called on the United States and Cuba to engage in "sincere and effective dialogue" in response to growing tensions that could worsen conditions for the Cuban people.

Speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer, the pope expressed deep concern about the situation, urging both governments to prioritize diplomacy.

Pope Leo echoed the calls of Cuban bishops for both sides to engage in negotiations grounded in respect and understanding to prevent violence and a humanitarian crisis.

His appeal comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. This shift in U.S. policy aimed to curb Cuba’s support from Venezuela, which had been a crucial ally.

• Pope Leo urges US and Cuba to engage in sincere, effective dialogue to avoid crisis
• Vatican calls for diplomacy amid rising US–Cuba tensions and tariff threats
• Pope’s appeal aims to prevent violence and ease suffering for Cuban people 

Trump defended the tariffs, stating they were necessary to counter the "Cuban regime’s malign actions." In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez described the U.S. measures as an "international emergency," warning that the tariffs would exacerbate economic suffering and rejecting U.S. attempts at coercion.

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Despite the rising pressure, Trump reiterated his openness to negotiations, suggesting the situation could avoid becoming a humanitarian crisis if both nations engage diplomatically. Pope Leo’s comments reflect the Vatican’s broader stance on the importance of peaceful dialogue to resolve international conflicts.