By: Roberto Morejón — Radio Havana Cuba – June 13, 2025
Cubans appreciated the importance of the official visit of Monsignor Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, and the country’s high authorities expressed their pleasure at receiving him again.,
Meetings with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez allowed the interest in strengthening respectful, ethical and constructive dialogue to be renewed.
The Head of State emphasised his respect and esteem for Monsignor Gallagher, who arrived in Havana a few weeks before the start of Pope Leo XVI’s pontificate.
Amidst the inevitable tasks of this new stage following the death of Pope Francis, Cuba and the Vatican seized the opportunity to commemorate the 90^(th) anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
Coincidentally, the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ pastoral trip to Cuba is also approaching, and Cubans praise his friendly stance towards the Cuban people, even in opposition to the US blockade.
Cubans remember the late Pope as a good friend and express their admiration and gratitude for his understanding of their internal difficulties.
With this new stage having been initiated, the government of the Caribbean archipelago sent a cordial greeting to the new Pope Leo XIV through Monsignor Gallagher, inviting him to visit.
In this way, Cuba proposes the continuation of a fruitful dialogue, revitalised in the 90^(th) year since the establishment of relations, through communication capable of overcoming long-standing obstacles.
Meanwhile, in the land of José Martí, the expansion of links with different churches continues as part of freedom of religious expression.
This contrasts with U.S. media campaigns that describe limitations to religious freedom.
In the largest of the Antilles, the homeland of Félix Varela, they are proud to have welcomed the last three popes.
Pope Francis even intervened in the process that led to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, an achievement later undone by Donald Trump.
Following Monsignor Gallagher’s visit, Cuba has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with the Vatican to foster mutual understanding.
