Havana: The Catholic Bishops of Cuba have issued a stark warning over the escalating social and economic crisis in the country, cautioning that recent international measures targeting Cuba’s energy supply could spark chaos, violence, and deepened suffering among the population. The bishops called for urgent reforms, dialogue, and respect for human dignity, emphasizing that solutions must exclude coercion and violence.
In a message addressed “to all Cubans of good will”, released on January 31, 2026, the bishops expressed deep concern over the worsening human and social conditions in the country. “The risk of social chaos and violence among the children of the same people is real,” they wrote, noting that no Cuban of goodwill could welcome such a scenario. They highlighted that the urgency of the situation is felt across the island and directed particular attention to those responsible for guiding the nation’s policies.
Reflecting on a previous appeal issued during the Jubilee Year last June, the bishops lamented that the painful realities have not improved, but rather intensified, with growing anguish and despair permeating society. They cited reports that Cuba could face complete restrictions on oil imports, calling the situation especially alarming for the most vulnerable groups, including the poor, elderly, sick, and children.
The warning comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order declaring a national emergency, allowing the U.S. to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil or derivatives to Cuba. The White House justification frames Cuba as cooperating with entities hostile to the United States, constituting an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Against this tense backdrop, the Cuban Bishops emphasized the need for change and reform but warned that it must not deepen existing suffering. They urged the government, society, and international actors to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, rejecting coercion or external pressure. “People come to understand one another by talking,” they said, expressing confidence that with good will, it is possible to find truth, justice, and peace.
The bishops also stressed that human dignity and freedom must not be held hostage to external conflicts. They called for a culture of respect, pluralism, and participation, noting that openness within Cuba can ease tensions with the outside world. Echoing Saint John Paul II, they invited the international community to “open itself to Cuba” while urging Cuba to embrace all its citizens without exclusion.
Reaffirming the Church’s mission to accompany the Cuban people, the bishops pledged to continue prayer, proclamation of the Gospel, and service to the vulnerable. They offered to facilitate spaces for dialogue and cooperation in the common interest of society. In communion with Pope Leo XIV, they invoked his message that “This is the hour of love!”, entrusting Cuba to the intercession of Our Lady of Charity, Mother of the Cuban people. The bishops concluded with a plea that reason and goodwill prevail, enabling all Cubans to live in peace, dignity, and happiness.