On Wednesday, Benjamin Leon Jr., the Cuban-American U.S. Ambassador to Spain, along with his Cuban wife Mavileibys, embarked on their inaugural official trip to the historic city of Toledo. Their visit included a tour of the Toledo Cathedral, renowned as a masterpiece of European Gothic architecture.
The U.S. Embassy in Madrid shared a video of the occasion on Instagram, capturing the couple admiring the famous painting "The Disrobing of Christ" by El Greco, located in the cathedral's sacristy. The footage shows the ambassador in a navy suit with his gray hair, and his wife in a sleeveless beige outfit with her hair neatly tied back, standing before the monumental artwork depicting Christ in a striking red robe amidst a crowd.
During their tour, Ambassador Leon and his wife explored the cathedral's rich artistic heritage, which includes works by Goya and Velázquez, and were particularly impressed by its grand altarpiece, recognized as one of the world's largest and most spectacular.
This visit holds significant importance as the Toledo Cathedral is commemorating the 800th anniversary of its construction this year.
The embassy also emphasized the historical connection between Toledo and the United States: the Spanish city has been twinned with Toledo, Ohio, since 1931, marking the first official sister city relationship globally aimed at fostering social and cultural ties.
Born in Cuba in 1944, Benjamin Leon Jr. emigrated to the United States in 1961 at the age of 16. He settled in Miami, where he founded the Clínica Asociación Cubana with his father in 1973 — the first licensed health maintenance organization in Florida, which was sold to UnitedHealthCare in 1994 for approximately $500 million. He later established Leon Medical Centers, a network serving the Hispanic community in Miami-Dade.
Leon was nominated by President Donald Trump on January 3, 2025, confirmed by the Senate on December 19 of the same year, and officially became the ambassador to Spain and Andorra on February 10.
His wife, Mavileibys Campa Felipe, aged 38, is also of Cuban descent. The couple married in Miami in 2025, and since moving to Madrid, she has been actively participating in both official and social events alongside the ambassador.
Insights on Benjamin Leon's Role as U.S. Ambassador in Spain
What is the historical significance of the Toledo Cathedral?
The Toledo Cathedral is a monumental example of Gothic architecture in Europe and is celebrating the 800th anniversary of its construction. It houses significant artworks, including pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez.
What notable accomplishments are associated with Benjamin Leon Jr.?
Benjamin Leon Jr. co-founded the Clínica Asociación Cubana, the first licensed health maintenance organization in Florida, and later established Leon Medical Centers in Miami-Dade, serving the Hispanic community.
How is Toledo, Spain connected to the United States?
Toledo, Spain is twinned with Toledo, Ohio, a relationship established in 1931, representing the first official sister city partnership worldwide aimed at promoting social and cultural exchange.