A photograph of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the Patroness of Cuba, taken by Santiago-based photographer Rubén Aja Garí, has made its way to Pope Leo XIV in Rome after beginning its journey in Santiago de Cuba.
Journalist Ernesto Parra Muñoz shared the story on Facebook, capturing the essence of the gesture with the phrase: "From Santiago de Cuba to Rome, with the Virgin in our hearts."
The image was presented to the pontiff by Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta, the bishop of the Diocese of the Most Holy Savior of Bayamo-Manzanillo, following a decision by Cubans gathered in Rome to make it a gift for Pope Leo XIV.
The photographer himself expressed joy this Thursday, celebrating that his work had reached "the Holy Father" and thanked Aldo Raúl Segura Álvarez and Monsignor Massó for serving as conduits to make the delivery possible.
Aja Garí recounted that the idea began when Aldo Raúl Segura, a Santiago native currently studying at a seminary in Rome, requested one of his photographs for a celebration of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre at the Church of San Bartolomeo.
"The photograph was chosen to be part of the celebration, and later, among all the Cubans gathered in Rome, the idea arose to present it as a gift to Pope Leo XIV," the photographer explained to the journalist.
Before reaching the pope, the photograph was signed on the back by several of the Cubans participating in the celebration, alongside the photographer's name.
"They signed it on the back, along with my name, leaving the mark of those who wanted to bring a piece of Cuba and our devotion to the Virgin to the Holy Father," Aja Garí shared.
The responsibility for completing this journey fell to Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta, who ultimately handed the image to Pope Leo XIV: "And today, Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta, bishop of Bayamo-Manzanillo, had the beautiful mission of presenting it to the Holy Father. I can only feel gratitude," expressed the photographer.
For Aja Garí, the moment goes beyond the fact that one of his photographs reached the pope; it also symbolizes the presence of Cuba and one of its deeply rooted religious devotions.
"It is knowing that an image born in Cuba, created by a Cuban, and chosen by other Cubans, traveled to Rome to silently speak of our Mother and our homeland," he stated.
The photographer concluded his message with a blessing for Cubans on and off the island: "May Our Lady of Charity continue to cover Cuba and all her children, wherever they may be, with her mantle."
Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta also maintains a recent and direct connection with the current pope.
Leo XIV appointed him as bishop of the Diocese of the Most Holy Savior of Bayamo-Manzanillo on January 3, 2026, following the resignation of Monsignor Álvaro Julio Beyra Luarca.
Additionally, from the Vatican gardens and in front of an image of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, he sent a brief and heartfelt message to the Cuban people from the Vatican, assuring them that he had prayed for Cuba and its inhabitants.
The Journey of the Photograph to Pope Leo XIV
How did the photograph of Our Lady of Charity reach Pope Leo XIV?
The photograph was initially taken by Rubén Aja Garí in Santiago de Cuba and was later brought to Rome by Aldo Raúl Segura. Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta ultimately presented it to Pope Leo XIV as a gift from Cubans gathered in Rome.
What does the photograph symbolize for Cubans?
The photograph symbolizes not only the presence of Cuba and its people but also their deep devotion to Our Lady of Charity. It represents a silent yet powerful message of faith and cultural identity.
Who facilitated the delivery of the photograph to the Vatican?
The delivery was facilitated by Monsignor Osmany Massó Cuesta, who took on the responsibility of ensuring the photograph reached Pope Leo XIV. He was supported by Aldo Raúl Segura Álvarez and the collective efforts of Cubans in Rome.