Pope Leo has called for 'sincere and effective dialogue' between the United States and Cuba, expressing deep concern over rising tensions following Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
The pontiff's appeal came after Trump announced plans to target nations exporting oil to Cuba, intensifying pressure on the island nation. The move follows the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a key Cuban ally, in early January.
Speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer, Pope Leo said he had received reports 'with great concern' about the escalating situation. He echoed Cuban bishops in urging 'those responsible to promote sincere and effective dialogue to avoid violence and further suffering for the Cuban people.'
Trump justified the tariff threat as necessary to protect US national security and foreign policy from Cuba's 'malign actions.' He predicted that 'Cuba will be failing pretty soon,' noting that Venezuela had stopped sending oil or money. In response, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez declared an 'international emergency,' calling the US tariff warning 'an unusual and extraordinary threat.'
On Saturday, Trump reiterated his call for Cuba to negotiate, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, 'It doesn't have to be a humanitarian crisis.'
