As Cuba continues to face a deepening humanitarian and societal crisis, the country’s Catholic bishops have spoken out in a powerful message during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Their statement isn’t just a religious reflection — it’s a raw and heartfelt call to action about the suffering that is overtaking daily life on the island.
Despair Has Replaced Dreams
The Cuban Bishops’ Conference painted a bleak picture of life on the island, saying the dire situation has seeped into the very soul of the Cuban people.
In their June 15 message, the bishops wrote that “the horizon of hope is blurred” and “sadness has taken hold of the hearts of all.”
They added plainly, “With despair and without joy, there is no future for any people.”
Though their message is rooted in faith — highlighting the risen Christ as the ultimate source of hope — it also deeply acknowledges the real, earthly struggles Cubans face every day.
The Right to Live and Dream in Peace
Beyond theology, the bishops made a strong case for human dignity.
They emphasized that it is both right and necessary for every person to live in peace, to have the opportunity to work, to pursue dreams with their families, and to grow — not just survive.
When those conditions are present, they argued, it becomes far easier to inspire people to work toward the common good of their country.
The Poor and Vulnerable Are Sinking Into Hopelessness
One of the most emotional parts of the statement focused on Cuba’s most vulnerable citizens — the poor, the elderly, the homeless, the hungry, those battling addiction, and especially parents who no longer see a clear future for their children.
According to the bishops, these groups are losing hope at an alarming rate.
Life on the island has become a constant struggle just to find basic necessities, and the bishops believe that this exhausting daily routine is pushing more and more Cubans to emigrate.
Those who stay behind are often left with broken families and deepening disillusionment.
Endless Promises and Mounting Apathy
For many Cubans, the bishops noted, hope has been worn down by repeated promises from authorities that never come true.
Instead of inspiration, people are left with a sense of apathy — a mental and emotional fatigue that makes it hard to believe things can change.
It’s not just the economy that’s collapsing.
It’s a collective sense of belief in something better.
Reviving Hope Requires Everyone
So what’s the solution? The bishops say the question of how to “revitalize the hope of so many Cubans” can no longer be postponed.
And importantly, they believe this work cannot fall only on the Church, or the government, or a single group — it must involve every Cuban, from every walk of life, and without ideological bias or exclusion.
This, they insist, is not a new message.
For decades, the Church in Cuba has consistently called for a national dialogue grounded in unity and the well-being of the country as a whole.
A Message Rooted in Service and Patriotism
Ultimately, the bishops’ message isn’t just spiritual; it’s also patriotic.
It’s about reclaiming dignity, unity, and a future for all Cubans.
Their words echo a plea to come together — not just in prayer, but in real efforts that serve the common good and bring the nation out of its prolonged hardship.