U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that the United States is prepared to send additional humanitarian aid to Cuba. However, the Cuban regime's resistance is hindering these efforts. Rubio revealed his intention to address this issue in an upcoming meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
"We have provided $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, but they won't allow us to distribute it. We are ready to offer more assistance through the Church, but the regime must permit it," Rubio stated during a press briefing at the White House, where he temporarily stood in for spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Rubio elaborated that the U.S. aims to ensure aid reaches the Cuban people directly by channeling assistance exclusively through the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba, avoiding any involvement from the regime.
This method was first implemented following Hurricane Melissa, which devastated eastern Cuba in late 2025. Initially, the U.S. allocated $3 million in humanitarian aid to help those affected in that region.
In February 2026, Washington announced a second aid package, bringing the total commitment to $9 million, according to the State Department, which expressed openness to further aid for Cuba.
The aid shipments included essential food items, water kits, hygiene products, and solar-powered flashlights, benefiting approximately 6,000 families—up to 24,000 individuals—in the eastern dioceses of Holguín-Las Tunas, Bayamo-Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo-Baracoa.
The Cuban regime criticized the U.S. aid, with Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío labeling it as "proverbial hypocrisy," citing U.S. sanctions that exceed $5 billion annually.
Rubio firmly dismissed these claims, branding the Cuban system as "failed" and remarking, "The only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist."
In April, the U.S. Embassy praised Caritas Cuba's efforts, highlighting their work in reaching "the most needy everyday Cubans," even as the Church faces significant challenges imposed by the regime in distributing aid.
Rubio's scheduled visit to the Vatican on Thursday comes amid tensions between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff with Cuban maternal ancestry.
On Tuesday, Trump publicly criticized the pope, accusing him of endangering Catholics due to his stance on Iran, although Rubio clarified these remarks, emphasizing the president's opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons.
The pope, who expressed "great concern" in February over the tensions between Cuba and the U.S., has called for "sincere and effective dialogue." He will meet with Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Thursday, May 7, at 11:30 a.m. in the Apostolic Palace.
Cuba is experiencing its most severe crisis in decades, with power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily in over 55% of the country and an anticipated economic contraction of 7.2% for 2026, exacerbated by an 80% to 90% drop in oil imports following the halt of Venezuelan supplies.
Key Issues in U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why is the U.S. aid to Cuba being blocked?
The Cuban regime is obstructing the distribution of U.S. humanitarian aid, which is intended to support the Cuban people directly through the Church.
How much aid has the U.S. committed to Cuba?
The United States has committed a total of $9 million in aid to Cuba, with an initial $3 million provided after Hurricane Melissa and an additional $6 million announced later.
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing significant economic challenges, including power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily and a projected economic contraction of 7.2% for 2026.