Cuban Bishops: Risk of chaos and violence from cut in oil supplies to Cuba

By Vatican News

In a message addressed “to all Cubans of good will”, the Catholic Bishops of Cuba have voiced deep concern over the worsening social, economic, and human situation in the country. They warn of the risk of a further social breakdown, particularly in light of recent decisions affecting Cuba’s energy supply. “The risk of social chaos and violence among the children of the same people is real,” they write, stressing that no Cuban of good will could rejoice at such a prospect.

In the message released on Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Bishops give expression to a sentiment felt across the island: “Anyone who listens attentively and respectfully to the suffering of others constantly hears that things are not going well, that we cannot go on like this.” This appeal, they emphasise, concerns the whole of society, but “above all those who bear the greatest responsibility for making decisions for the good of the nation”.

Referring back to the appeal issued last June for the Jubilee Year, the Bishops note that the “painful and urgent” reality has not improved. On the contrary, they say, it has worsened, and anguish and despair have deepened.

External tension and social risk

“Recent news announcing, among other things, the elimination of any possibility for oil to enter the country has set off alarm bells, especially for the most vulnerable,” the Bishops write. “The risk of social chaos and violence among the children of the same people is real. No Cuban of good will would welcome this.”

Against this backdrop, United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in response to what he considers a threat posed by Cuba to US national security and foreign policy. The order allows the US government to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly supplies oil or oil derivatives to Cuba, with the aim of cutting off the island’s energy access and increasing pressure on the Havana government. The White House maintains that the Cuban authorities cooperate with countries and groups hostile to the United States and constitute an unusual and extraordinary risk.

It is in this context that the Bishops issue their firm and pastoral appeal. Cuba, they say, needs change — “and with growing urgency” — but cannot endure “further anguish or suffering”. They call for avoiding new grief and hardship, especially for the poor, the elderly, the sick, and children. Recalling Saint John Paul II’s visit to the island in 1998, they cite his warning that isolation affects the population indiscriminately, placing the heaviest burden on the weakest.

Dialogue, dignity, and the common good

In keeping with the consistent teaching of the Holy See, the Bishops reaffirm that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, never through coercion. “People come to understand one another by talking,” they write, convinced that with good will it is always possible to find paths towards truth, justice, and peace.

They also stress that the dignity and freedom of people within the country must not be made dependent on external conflicts. A climate of respect, pluralism, and participation, they recall, does not weaken a nation but can instead contribute to easing international tensions. Echoing Saint John Paul II, they therefore call for “the world to open itself to Cuba”, and equally for “Cuba to open itself to its own people — to all Cubans, without exclusion”.

The Church at the service of hope

The Bishops reaffirm that the Catholic Church will continue to accompany the Cuban people in her own mission: to pray, to proclaim the Gospel, and to serve, especially the most vulnerable. They also reiterate their willingness, if requested, to help create spaces for dialogue and cooperation in the service of the common good.

In communion with Pope Leo XIV, they recall his words at the beginning of his pontificate: “This is the hour of love!” Entrusting Cuba to the intercession of Our Lady of Charity, Mother of the Cuban people, they conclude with a final plea: that reason and good sense may prevail, and that all the sons and daughters of this land may be able to live "in peace, with dignity, and happy here".