Current Bishop of Holguín, Monsignor Emilio Aranguren Echeverría, fondly recalls the "legacy of simplicity" left by the 2008 visit to Cuba of Robert Francis Prevost, who was then the Prior General of the Augustinians and is now Pope Leo XIV. Aranguren Echeverría shared with Vatican News that Prevost was instrumental in negotiating the return of the Augustinians to Cuba, following their expulsion by Fidel Castro in 1961.
Accompanied by the late Cardinal Jaime Ortega, then Archbishop of Havana, Aranguren visited Prevost in Rome in 2005, seeking the reestablishment of the Augustinians in Cuba. The order's return was realized a year later, first in Ciego de Ávila, followed by Puerto Padre in Holguín, and eventually in Havana, according to the bishop. Prevost's 2008 visit to the Cuban Augustinians took him to the diocese of Holguín, particularly the parish of Puerto Padre.
Due to ongoing repairs at the rectory next to the Puerto Padre parish, Robert Francis Prevost was hosted by a local family during his three-day stay, as recounted by Aranguren. "Today, the joy of Mr. Manuel Miguel, known affectionately as Manolín, is immense. He proudly displays a simple certificate given to him by Father Prevost in gratitude for his hospitality and support to the community's friars," Aranguren shared.
From Puerto Padre, the then Prior of the Augustinians traveled to Holguín to meet with Aranguren and gain firsthand insight into the realities of eastern Cuba. "Undeniably, the now Pope Leo XIV left a mark of humility, closeness, and joy upon witnessing his brothers evangelizing and spreading God’s love in such a needy environment," he stated.
From Augustinian Leader to Pope
Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, was chosen last week as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he is the first American Pope and also holds Peruvian citizenship, having spent years in that country. The former Cardinal Prevost has maintained a direct connection with Cuba, a nation he visited multiple times before assuming the papacy.
Recently, a photo of him surfaced on social media, capturing a moment in Havana with the late dissident Harold Cepero Escalante in front of the Havana Cathedral, highlighting a moment of Christian fellowship that holds new significance today. Cepero Escalante, part of the Christian Liberation Movement, died at the age of 32 in Granma under circumstances officially labeled as an "accident" by the government. However, family, friends, and a 2015 Human Rights Foundation report suggest it was a deliberate act by the regime.
Following the election of the new Pope, Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel sent their congratulations, eager to project an image of harmony and continuity in relations with the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV and His Influence in Cuba
What impact did Pope Leo XIV have during his visit to Cuba?
Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Francis Prevost, left a lasting impression of humility and simplicity, fostering the return of the Augustinians to Cuba and supporting local communities.
How did Robert Francis Prevost contribute to the Augustinians' return to Cuba?
He facilitated the reintroduction of the Augustinians to Cuba, following their expulsion in 1961, by negotiating their return and establishing their presence in several key locations.
What is the significance of his connection with Harold Cepero Escalante?
The connection highlights a moment of Christian fellowship and brings attention to the contentious circumstances surrounding Cepero Escalante's death, pointing to ongoing issues within Cuba.