Havana: The Catholic Church in Cuba is emerging as a source of comfort and hope as the country faces deep economic hardship, an energy crisis and growing social strain.
Fr Ariel Suárez Jáuregui, assistant secretary of the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops, described the current situation as frankly difficult, with rising food prices, shortages of medicines and reduced medical services. Surgeries are now limited to life threatening cases, and access to drinking water has become harder because fuel shortages prevent tanker trucks from operating.
Public transport has sharply declined, towns grow quiet after sunset, and garbage has piled up in parts of Havana. The number of poor, homeless and abandoned elderly people is rising, while some young people are turning to drugs amid growing uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Church continues its mission among the people. Fr Suárez said the Church is not standing idle but is actively serving those in need through pastoral care, charity and spiritual support.
Parishes continue to celebrate Mass, teach catechism, visit the sick and prisoners, and prepare young people and adults for the sacraments. During Lent, retreats, penitential services and the Way of the Cross are being held, although fuel shortages make travel difficult for priests and catechists, especially in rural areas.
Many parishes have expanded charitable work. Soup kitchens serve meals to the elderly and vulnerable, food is delivered to homes, and volunteers distribute prepared meals to people living on the streets. Religious sisters and brothers caring for the elderly and mentally ill continue their service despite severe staffing and transport challenges.
In his own parish, Fr Suárez said volunteers provide weekly lunches for about 150 elderly people and food assistance to around 100 homeless individuals. He praised the generosity of volunteers who serve with joy despite their own hardships.
The bishops of Cuba recently warned that fuel shortages could increase social tension and risk unrest. Many citizens, already burdened by decades of hardship, long for a dignified and stable life in their homeland. While some respond with frustration, others show remarkable solidarity and generosity.
The Church has also expressed gratitude for the closeness shown by Pope Leo XIV, especially after his recent appeal for dialogue to ease the suffering of the Cuban people. His message was received as a sign of support and communion with the nation.
Fr Suárez said Lent offers a moment of spiritual reflection and hope. He urged the faithful not to allow suffering to lead to anger or violence, but to respond with love and solidarity.
He expressed hope that the Cuban people will continue to witness to compassion and faith, trusting that hope will prevail even in hardship.