Cuban Opposition Seeks Pope Leo XIV's Support for Freedom

The opposition group Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC) has expressed its backing for potential discussions between Pope Leo XIV and the Cuban regime, hoping to advocate for the numerous political prisoners and the public's demands for freedom and national reconciliation. As reported by EFE, the opposition issued a statement expressing their desire for the new pontiff's support and recognition as a legitimate political entity. They urged Leo XIV to "uphold the dignity of Cubans seeking reconciliation and restitution."

The CTDC is hopeful that during this year, which marks the Church's Jubilee of Hope, they can rely on His Holiness's support to acknowledge their presence as an opposition force and to defend the dignity of Cubans. The organization is optimistic about the role the Pope could play in addressing the plight of political prisoners on the island and the calls for democratic reform. "We know of his commitment to just causes and the underserved, thus we look forward to any dialogue he may have in favor of our political prisoners and freedom demands," they added.

In its statement, the platform described Cuba as a nation in collapse, engulfed in a severe crisis characterized by hunger, poverty, violence, and state repression. They noted that this situation "has stripped many of hope and led to the largest exodus in the nation's history, fracturing family unity and splintering the nation."

The CTDC identifies itself as "a group of Cubans united in opposition to the island's political system, aiming to establish a democratic state of law that ensures freedom as the supreme value, dignity, and justice." Meanwhile, as the Cuban opposition appealed to the Pope for support in their quest for freedom, the regime responded by sending congratulatory messages from Communist Party leader Raúl Castro and head of state Miguel Díaz-Canel, who expressed a desire to promote peace, dialogue, and strengthen ties between Cuba and the Vatican following Leo XIV's election as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), Raúl Castro greeted the new Pope with diplomatic words, emphasizing the Pontificate's role in global stability: "Your Holiness: I extend heartfelt congratulations on your election as Supreme Pontiff. I trust that your Pontificate will make a crucial contribution to peace and dialogue. Cuba will continue to strengthen its positive relations with the Holy See. Receive the testimony of my highest consideration and esteem," concluded Castro's message.

In this context, the Cuban regime sent an official delegation to the Vatican on Sunday to attend the inaugural mass of the pontiff. The Cuban government's delegation was led by Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, who was briefly received by Leo XIV. The delegation also included Caridad Diego, head of the Office of Religious Affairs of the Communist Party's Central Committee, and Deputy Foreign Minister Elio Rodríguez. During the brief meeting, Valdés Mesa conveyed the Cuban government's willingness to strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See, according to the official version disseminated by state media.

The Vatican has played a significant role in Cuban politics in recent decades, particularly under Pope Francis (2013-2025). The Holy See's mediation was pivotal in events such as the brief diplomatic thaw between Havana and Washington (2014-2017), as well as in the agreement to release prisoners in exchange for removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 2025.

A Pope with Cuban Roots and Strong Ties to the Island

The hopes of Cuban dissidents are buoyed by an unexpected connection between the new Pope and the island. A genealogical investigation published by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo revealed that Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States as Robert Francis Prevost, has Cuban ancestry. One of his maternal ancestors, Manuel José Ramos, was born in Havana in 1760 and emigrated as a young man to New Orleans, then under Spanish rule.

Leo XIV's connection to Cuba is not merely ancestral. He has had direct engagement with the country, visiting in 2008 and 2011 as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, and again in 2019 as a bishop and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. During his first visit, he toured communities in Chambas (Ciego de Ávila) and Puerto Padre (Holguín), where he spent time with Cuban families.

Reiniel Jiménez Gil, a nurse who witnessed the encounter, recalled on social media how the then-prior "ate white rice and minced meat" in the modest homes of the community, sharing meals as one of them. During his second stay in 2011, he presided over the annual assembly of Augustinians in Cuba and once again lived among the faithful in rural areas.

The delegate of the Order on the island, José Alberto Escobar, affirmed that "he carries the Cuban people deeply in his heart" and is well-acquainted with their reality. That same year, the Bishop of Holguín, Emilio Aranguren, revealed that Prevost was instrumental in the return of Augustinian friars to Cuba, following their expulsion by the government in 1961. Thanks to his mediation, the order gradually returned to Chambas, Puerto Padre, and Old Havana.

Additionally, Periódico 26 confirmed his presence in Las Tunas, where he stayed with parishioners in Puerto Padre and signed a thank-you document that remains preserved as a keepsake. His return to Cuba in 2019 included participation in the closing of the Jubilee Year commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Diocese of Havana, liturgical celebrations, and meetings with bishops at the San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary.

In this light, the Cuban opposition views Pope Leo XIV as a figure both connected and sensitive to the country's reality, not only due to his roots and history of engagement with Cuban communities but also because of his commitment to just causes and moral authority within and beyond the Church.