Release from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba

To all Cubans of good will:

Brothers, we cannot close our eyes or squint, as if nothing were happening, in the face of the events that our people experienced yesterday, Sunday, July 11, and that in some places continue today, where in the midst of the restrictions due to the increase in contagion with Covid-19 and, despite this, thousands of people took to the streets in cities and towns in Cuba, protesting publicly, expressing their discomfort at the deterioration of the economic and social situation that our country is experiencing. town and that has been accentuated significantly.

We understand that the Government has responsibilities and has tried to take measures to alleviate the aforementioned difficulties, but we also understand that the people have the right to express their needs, desires and hopes and, in turn, to publicly express how some measures that have been taken They are seriously affecting you. It is necessary that each person contribute their creativity and initiative and that each family work for their own well-being, knowing that when that happens, they are working for the good of the Nation.

At this time, as pastors we are concerned that the responses to these claims are immobility that contributes to continuing the problems, without resolving them. We not only see that situations are getting worse, but also that we are moving towards a rigidity and hardening of positions that could engender negative responses, with unpredictable consequences that would harm us all.

A favorable solution will not be reached by impositions, nor by calling for confrontation, but when mutual listening is exercised, common agreements are sought and concrete and tangible steps are taken that contribute, with the contribution of all Cubans without exclusion, to build the Homeland “with everyone and for the good of all.” That is the Homeland we want. Pope Francis and, in turn, lived experiences teach us that crises are not overcome by confrontation but by seeking understanding.

Violence begets violence, today’s aggressiveness opens wounds and fuels resentments for tomorrow that will take a lot of work to overcome, that is why we invite everyone not to encourage the crisis situation, but with serenity of spirit and good will, exercise listening, understanding and an attitude of tolerance, which takes into account and respects the other to together seek paths of fairness and adequate solution.

To the Virgin of Charity, Queen and Mother of all Cubans, always a source of reconciliation, we ask that the Cuban nation be made a home of brothers and sisters, where the search for truth and the common good prevail.

Havana, July 12, 2021.

THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CUBA