Pope Leo XIV Addresses US Blockade of Cuba in Audience with Marco Rubio

Pope Leo XIV addressed the situation of the Cuban people victims of the worsening US blockade. During an audience granted today to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a statement.

A report published on the Vatican News website, based on a note from the Holy See Press Office. It highlights that the meeting, held at 11:00 a.m. local time this Thursday at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Addressed “the conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and the situation in Cuba.”

Following the papal audience, Rubio was received by his Vatican counterpart, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. As well as by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. Also where these issues, including the Cuban situation, were also discussed.

Parolin announced the day before that the central topics of these meetings included “Latin America, Cuba, Lebanon, and Gaza.”

A report published on the website of the newspaper Avvenire indicates that the agenda included. “Above all, Cuba, given the crucial role the Holy See plays” in promoting dialogue between the United States and that country. “Deprived of energy after the oil embargo imposed by the US administration.”

“It is an embargo within an embargo, which Washington, however, denies,” the publication noted. Referring to the executive order signed on January 29th by President Donald Trump to prevent fuel from reaching the island. An action that added to the pressures and threats that have persisted for more than 60 years.

The Holy Father’s concern about the increased tensions between the two countries. So it was evident in his pronouncements following the tightening of the US economic embargo with the approval of that executive order.

Shortly after Trump signed the document, Leo XIV called for “a sincere and effective dialogue” between the “two neighboring countries.” Given the consequences of such measures for the Cuban people. And prayed, “May Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre assist and protect all the children of that beloved land!”

While Rubio’s audience with Pope Leo XIV and his subsequent meeting with Cardinal Parolin were taking place this Thursday. Thousands of demonstrators protested in Rome and other Italian cities against the presence of the US Secretary of State in the country.

During the march, participants in this solidarity demonstration displayed banners reading “Rubio Out of Rome!” and declared that “Cuba is not alone!” These slogans were echoed by various speakers. Also rejected the criminal US policy against the island and the visit to Cuba by one of its main proponents.

With information from Prensa Latina

Radio Angulo
Latest posts by Radio Angulo (see all)