Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic. Today mourned the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 and highlighted the affection shared between the Supreme Pontiff and the Cuban people.
In his message on 10th, the Cuban head of state noted that the legacy of the man who had been the Bishop of Rome since March 2013 was unforgettable.
“The displays of affection and cordial closeness that he conveyed to our compatriots were always reciprocated by the Cuban people,” Díaz-Canel added in his post.
The death occurred at 7:35 a.m., a few hours after His Holiness’s public appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. On the occasion of Easter Sunday.
Francis, whose secular name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio (December 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025), was hospitalized for more than a month due to serious respiratory complications until his discharge on March 23.
Between September 19 and 22, 2015, Pope Francis visited Cuba. Following visits by his predecessors in Rome’s top leadership: John Paul II (January 21-25, 1998) and Benedict XVI (March 26-28, 2012).
Francis, the first Latin American to be head of the Vatican City State. Delivered homilies in Havana, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba during his apostolic visit to Cuba.
On that occasion, the Pope met with the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro. Paid a courtesy call to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, then President of the Councils of State and Ministers.
Francis was characterized by his kindness, courage, and firm convictions. Always standing by the humblest, a relentless critic of imperialist policies. Wars, racial discrimination, inequality, and anti-immigrant policies.
A tireless fighter for the defense of the planet and promoter of actions to confront climate change. Deforestation, the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, and many other noble works. He was also a leader of the Cuban people.
Among the many causes he championed, he repeatedly denounced US policy against Cuba and always stood by his people. As reaffirmed in his meeting at the Vatican with the president of that Caribbean nation. Miguel Díaz-Canel, on June 20, 2023.
On January 14 of that year, the Bishop of Rome sent a message to the people of Cuba on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to the island. In which he thanked them for “this example of collaboration and mutual aid that unites them.”
On July 12, 2023, he expressed that “Cuba is a symbol. Cuba has a great history,” adding that “I love the Cuban people very much.”
The death of Pope Francis represents a severe blow to humanity and leaves a void in complex times for the world. Although he also leaves us his inspiring, everlasting work and example.
With information from Prensa Latina
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernández
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