The severe energy crisis gripping Cuba has now impacted even the Catholic Church. Cuban bishops have been unable to make their traditional “ad limina” visit to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, hindered by the island's dire fuel shortage.
According to Vatican sources, who spoke to the EFE agency, the visit scheduled for February 16 to 20 has been called off “because the current conditions do not allow it,” referencing the fuel scarcity that has stalled air travel operations in the Caribbean nation.
The trip was supposed to include an audience with the Pope and is part of the canonical obligation for bishops to periodically travel to Rome to pray at the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul, and to report on their dioceses' status.
OSV News, in a report by Junno Arocho Esteves, noted that the last time Cuban bishops made this pilgrimage was nearly nine years ago, in May 2017.
The cancellation of the trip occurs amid a critical scenario. This week, Cuba found itself without fuel for its airplanes following escalating tensions with the United States. On January 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba, a move that has further destabilized the already fragile energy supply.
The Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops (COCC) had expressed their “deep concern” over the worsening economic and social conditions on January 31.
“Cuba needs changes, and they are becoming more urgent, but what it doesn’t need is more distress and pain,” stated the bishops, emphasizing that cutting off oil imports raises alarms, especially for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Pope Leo XIV also publicly addressed the issue. During the February 1 Angelus, he expressed his concern about the escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States and called for “sincere and effective dialogue” to prevent further suffering for the Cuban people.
The inability of even the bishops to leave the country due to fuel shortages underscores the extent to which the energy crisis has affected every aspect of national life. As blackouts drag on, shortages worsen, and the economy suffers a contraction exceeding 15% of GDP according to various estimates, the halted episcopal journey emerges as yet another symbol of the collapse.
Understanding the Fuel Crisis Impact on Cuba
What led to the cancellation of the Cuban bishops' visit to the Vatican?
The visit was canceled due to a severe fuel shortage in Cuba, which has paralyzed air travel operations, making it impossible for the bishops to travel.
How has the energy crisis in Cuba affected its economy?
The energy crisis has led to prolonged blackouts, worsened shortages, and caused a significant economic downturn, with GDP reportedly contracting by over 15%.
What actions has the United States taken that impact the fuel supply in Cuba?
The U.S. imposed a threat of tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba, exacerbating the already fragile fuel supply situation on the island.