The country\u2019s growing economic and social instability prompts request to delay meeting with Pope Leo XIV.<\/p>\n
The Catholic Bishops of Cuba announced Thursday that they have asked Pope Leo XIV to postpone their upcoming visit to Rome due to the country\u2019s grave situation, which is generating \u201cso much instability and uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bishops had been scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV on Feb. 20 as part of their periodic adlimina visit, which was set to begin Monday, Feb. 16. During such visits, bishops also customarily pray at the four major papal basilicas and meet with various Vatican dicasteries.<\/p>\n
However, in a statement on Feb. 12, the bishops\u2019 conference said that \u201cgiven the worsening socio-economic situation in the country, which is generating so much instability and uncertainty, the Catholic bishops have asked the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that the ad limina visit be postponed to a later date than originally planned.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue praying for our homeland, and we renew our affection and communion with the pope and with the Apostolic See,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n
Cuba\u2019s prolonged economic and social crisis has intensified in recent days, particularly after the United States government announced on Jan. 29 the imposition of tariffs on countries that send oil to the Caribbean nation, as a way of pressuring the communist regime.<\/p>\n
In response, the Cuban government has introduced further restrictions beyond those already faced by the population. Last Sunday, the regime also reported that it no longer had fuel for commercial aircraft, a development that is affecting tourism, one of the government\u2019s principal sources of revenue.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the Trump administration began sending containers of humanitarian aid in January for the Catholic Church to distribute to those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The assistance is being coordinated directly with Caritas Cuba, without the participation of the regime.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 31, the Cuban bishops warned in a separate statement that the country risks falling into social chaos and violence if the structural changes it urgently needs are not implemented.<\/p>\n
Acest articol a fost publicat ini\u021bial de ACI Prensa, serviciul de limb\u0103 spaniol\u0103 al EWTN News. Ea a fost tradus\u0103 \u0219i adaptat\u0103 de EWTN News English.<\/p>\n