The Cuban population continues to live through the devastation of the energy crisis, which exacerbates the various problems afflicting society. “We are here. And not with our arms crossed,” says to the Vatican media Father Ariel Suárez Jáuregui, Adjunct Secretary of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba and parish priest of the Diocesan Sanctuary and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Havana.
“Food prices are increasing. Medicines are scarce, medical services are reduced, and surgical operations are limited to those whose lives are in danger. Difficulties in accessing drinking water are increasing, because many people depend on water trucks and, without fuel, they cannot arrive,” describes Father Suárez.
Such a situation places the Church poor among the poor in offering a pastoral of charity and comfort: “It is in the area of charity where perhaps we are continuously renewing and growing, to the extent that we see increasing needs and experience the Lord’s call to assist the poor,” he states, recalling some of the frequent works of assistance -with great difficulty- to the most vulnerable.
The Church in Cuba expresses gratitude for the paternal closeness of Pope Leo XIV during this time, whom they hoped to meet during the visit ad limina that they had to postpone: “We are very grateful for the affection the Pope has shown for this people and this Church. **The voice of the Holy Father has amplified to the world the voice, painful and hopeful, of the Cuban people.**”
The parish priest of the Diocesan Sanctuary and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Havana, hopes that during this Lent and amid the diversities, the Cuban people look with hope to Jesus: “May the pain of my people, which is also my pain, not make us resentful, violent, wounded. May we always be able to love, proclaim the victory of love, give witness to the love of the Lord,” shares Father Ariel Suárez Jáuregui in his prayer.
Question: We are living the liturgical time of Lent, which is a path to Easter, therefore a time of hope for Christians. We know that in Cuba in recent weeks there have been greater complications, how does the Church face this reality in light of Christian hope?
**Answer.** Just because the Church lives on trust in the promises of Christ, wherever possible, we continue to announce the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, giving catechesis to children, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, preparing adolescents, young people, and adults in the catechetical process or in various formative areas. Marriages continue their preparation, and life success workshops for couples are held. Our Training Centers remain working. Charitable initiatives are multiplied in parishes and communities.
R. In Lent, opportunities are offered to make retreats, penitential celebrations, and the recitation of the Stations of the Cross, particularly on Fridays. In rural areas or those more distant from the parish center, there have surely been variations in customary activities, because many priests or catechists cannot reach those remote areas, for lack of fuel to travel. Not everyone is young and strong enough to move around by bicycle and travel kilometers under the tropical sun. Some roads, moreover, are impassable. And returning at night without electricity is also dangerous. We do what we can. But we are here. And not with our arms crossed.
P. In a recent message from January 2026, bishops warned about the watering of social chaos and violence due to oil import restrictions into the country. What is the current situation, and the concerns of the Cuban people?
R. The current situation is frankly difficult. We see how public and private transportation decreases on the streets and roads. Towns and cities look like deserts after sunset. Garbage overflows in the streets of Havana and literally impede the passage of pedestrians and the few vehicles that manage to circulate. The number of poor, homeless, lonely and helpless elderly people is increasing. We also see adolescents and young people joining drugs. Work and study hours and days are reduced. People working in the tourism area have a real fear of losing their jobs. Food prices are rising.
Medicines are scarce, medical services are reduced, and surgical operations are limited to those whose lives are in danger.
R. Difficulties in accessing potable water are increasing, because many people depend on water trucks and cannot arrive without fuel. Those with more resources are quickly installing renewable energy sources in their homes and businesses. Or buying vehicles and other means of transport that do not depend on fuel. The Cuban people are living this situation with pain and sadness. They feel that they have suffered too much in recent decades and aspire to something else, to a dignified and happy life in this land. There are people who become violent and let out all the greed, selfishness, and ambition they carry inside.
Others, on the contrary, are giving a beautiful and luminous testimony of generosity, fraternity, and altruism in all areas of the nation’s life. At the same time, there is a widespread feeling that “something has to happen, because this is not a way to live.”
P. Pope Leo XIV in an Angelus a few weeks ago, expressed his concern for Cuba and invited promoting dialogue and avoiding actions that increase the suffering of the people. What has this closeness of the Holy Father meant for the Cuban Church?
R. The Holy Father’s words at the Angelus on February 1st have been received by the Church in Cuba as a paternal gesture of communion and support. The Pope emphasized in his words that through a “serious and effective dialogue” one should seek to alleviate the “suffering of the dear Cuban people.” Leo XIV also wished to express his support for the Bishops of Cuba who, on January 31st, had published an important and prophetic Message, in view of the worsening situation in the country. We are very grateful for the affection the Pope has shown for this people and this Church. The voice of the Holy Father has amplified to the world the voice, painful and hopeful, of the Cuban people.
P. The situation even leads the Bishops to postpone their trip to Rome. What are the main pastoral and social actions in the dioceses and parishes?
R. Pastoral actions are those habitually carried out by the Church throughout the world. Right now, among us, those actions of always, have a special nuance. I would say that nuance is given by closeness, compassion, and tenderness, of which Pope Francis spoke so much. Our Church, through its pastoral agents, is dedicating time and resources to listening a lot, visiting, accompanying, to the ministry of consolation. It is in the area of charity where perhaps we are constantly renewing and growing, to the extent that we see increasing needs and experience the Lord’s call to assist the poor.
R. In many parishes, soup kitchens are being organized for the elderly or vulnerable. In others, food is cooked and delivered to homes. Prepared meals are also being distributed to people living on the streets, in parks, or squares. This is also done by movements such as the Parochial Movement Juan XXIII, the Community of Sant’Egidio, or the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation, in what they call the “charitable.” Brothers and Caritas from other countries help in many cases to maintain and carry out these works.
A special mention must be made to highlight the heroic, quiet, and extremely generous service of religious men and women who are in charge of Homes for the elderly or the mentally ill, who must face all the country’s difficulties, often with the absence of employees, because they cannot find a way to get to work due to lack of transportation.
P. What are those particular testimonies we can share of work providing care for the poorest in the midst of general difficulties…?
R. In the parish where I serve as pastor for 11 years, we have services for the most needy brothers: every Wednesday we prepare lunch for about 150 elderly people. Every Thursday afternoon, we bring milk or chocolate with oatmeal and a snack and some protein to 100 homeless people. Also, twice a month on Saturdays, we cook and bring lunch to the vulnerable.
R. I highlight the joy and love with which the volunteers work in all these services. Volunteers have problems and needs like everyone else. But they give the Lord and their brothers and sisters their time, their energy, they share their goods. And they do so with a smile, and treat their poorest brothers and sisters with great respect. I speak of this parish because it is what I know best. But I emphasize that things like this are done in many parishes throughout Cuba. And there are also very beautiful initiatives in non-Catholic Christian communities. We thank God for everything He has aroused in us in these difficult times. May the Lord help us not to tire of doing good.
P. What is your message regarding the reality that Cuba is experiencing, your prayer leading up to Easter?
R. In Lent, we are always faced with the challenge of a God who chose to give everything, to give Himself completely to the end. To love us to the end. Remaining in the “why” of the cross, of suffering and pain…is a recurring temptation. Jesus taught us the “for what.” Also, when we look at the prolonged suffering of the Cuban people and so many other peoples of the earth, we must look to the Lord. Jesus taught us to love, to give our lives, and thus fill pain with meaning and journey towards the luminous morning of Easter. May the pain of my people, which is also my pain, not make us resentful, violent, wounded. May we always be able to love, proclaim the victory of love, and bear witness to the love of the Lord.
As Pope Leo XIV said in his first Urbi et Orbi message for the past Easter: “Evil will not triumph.” That is the reason for our love and our hope. Thank you very much.
Vatican News
Religión Digital
English version translated with AI