Jorge Enrique Serpa Pérez, the Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of San Rosendo in Pinar del Río, passed away last Thursday night in Havana at the age of 84. His legacy is marked by pastoral courage and a steadfast commitment to supporting Cuba's most vulnerable.
The Diocese of Pinar del Río shared the news of his passing through a statement of sorrow signed by the current bishop, Juan de Dios Hernández Ruiz, S.J. He expressed, "With deep sorrow, but with a living hope in the Resurrection, we announce that on the night of April 17, 2026, our beloved Excellency, Monsignor Jorge Enrique Serpa Pérez, has gone to meet God."
Born on March 16, 1942, in Cienfuegos, Serpa began his early education at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Havana. In 1961, he pursued theological studies in Tournai, Belgium, where he was ordained a priest on July 14, 1968.
Following his ordination, Serpa was barred from returning to Cuba by the regime for 31 years. During this time, he served in the Archdiocese of Bogotá, Colombia, as the parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from 1973 to 1999 and as director of a Catholic school from 1985 to 1999.
In 1999, upon his return to Cuba, he joined the Presbyteral Council of Havana and served as a parish priest, episcopal vicar, and rector of the San Cristóbal Major Seminary in Havana.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as Bishop of Pinar del Río on December 13, 2006, with his ordination taking place on January 13, 2007, in Havana's Cathedral.
During his tenure, he led the Prison Ministry and Health Pastoral commissions of the Cuban Catholic Bishops' Conference and oversaw the construction of Cuba's first Catholic church since 1959, the Sacred Heart of Jesus temple in Sandino, inaugurated on February 7, 2019.
One notable event in his ministry was his 2018 visit to scientist and activist Ariel Ruiz Urquiola, who was on a hunger strike in Pinar del Río prison. Ruiz Urquiola publicly honored the late bishop, saying, "He wept over my body, prayed, and led my wheelchair towards the liberation of the soul, making it clear to the Cuban misgovernment that they would be responsible for the death of another innocent. He did not fill his belly with money from other governments, and he humbly roamed the prisons in his cassock, aiding the prisoners."
Omara Isabel Ruiz Urquiola, the activist's sister, also paid tribute, saying, "A true priest who sheltered us amidst darkness and was hope as he held my brother's frail body. He carved a path for us among the pack, fearlessly, with the strength of the righteous."
The Diocese of Pinar del Río remembered him as "a brave man of clear words" who "knew no fear in proclaiming the Gospel freely, pointing out the truth with firm charity."
Pope Francis accepted his resignation as bishop on June 5, 2019, as he had surpassed the age of 75, after which he served as Emeritus Bishop.
The funeral Mass was held at La Milagrosa Chapel in Guanabacoa, where Monsignor Serpa had served as a parish priest upon his return to Cuba. His remains rest in the family vault at the Guanabacoa Cemetery.
Legacy of Bishop Jorge Serpa
What was Bishop Jorge Serpa's contribution to the Cuban Catholic Church?
Bishop Jorge Serpa was instrumental in leading the Prison Ministry and Health Pastoral commissions and oversaw the construction of Cuba's first Catholic church since 1959, the Sacred Heart of Jesus temple in Sandino.
How did Bishop Serpa support the Cuban community during his ministry?
Bishop Serpa was known for his pastoral courage and dedication to the vulnerable, frequently visiting prisoners and offering aid, as well as providing spiritual support to those in need.