On Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel attended a Thanksgiving Mass held in honor of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of Havana. The service was organized following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21. It gathered faithful attendees, ecclesiastical authorities, and Cuban Party and Government officials.
Upon his arrival at the cathedral, Díaz-Canel was welcomed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Cuba, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri. During his homily, Monsignor Camilleri emotionally reflected on Pope Francis as a shepherd to all, regardless of distinction, and highlighted his concern for the vulnerable and his constant advocacy for peace in conflict zones.
"The Pope held deep affection for this country, the Cuban Church, and its people," expressed the pontifical representative. Camilleri reminisced about the 2015 apostolic journey when Pope Francis visited Havana, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, including a brief stay at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, and engaged in memorable meetings at the Havana Cathedral itself.
At the conclusion of the mass, Monsignor Ramón Suárez Polcari, Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Havana, extended gratitude to everyone for their presence, support, and solidarity. On Tuesday, Díaz-Canel declared an official mourning period across Cuba, from 6:00 am to midnight on the 24th, with flags at public buildings and military institutions flown at half-mast.
The official statement emphasized Pope Francis' contribution to the "strengthening of relations" between Havana and the Holy See, as well as his role in mediating the restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States during the "thaw" that began in 2014. General Raúl Castro, a central figure in that process, shared a personal message mourning the Pontiff's death, whom he called "a dear friend." "His passing deeply moves me. As he once told me, I will always carry him in my heart," he expressed.
Meanwhile, the Cuban leader sent his condolences to the national and international Catholic community, highlighting "the words of affection" the Pope dedicated to Cuba in his speeches. This year marks the 90th anniversary of continuous diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Holy See since 1936.
Following his apostolic visit to Cuba in September 2015, the Pope made a stopover in February 2016 while en route to Mexico. In June 2023, Díaz-Canel visited the Vatican and had a "pleasant" meeting with him, during which they discussed the "current Cuban reality," according to the Cuban leader.
Exile groups and dissidents have criticized Pope Francis for not speaking out more forcefully about the human rights situation on the Island.
Insights on Cuba-Vatican Relations
How did Pope Francis contribute to Cuba-US relations?
Pope Francis played a mediating role in the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States during the thaw that began in 2014.
What notable events occurred during Pope Francis' visit to Cuba in 2015?
During his 2015 visit, Pope Francis traveled to Havana, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, including a brief visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, and held memorable meetings at the Havana Cathedral.