Pope Leo XIV, the American-born pontiff, has publicly criticized the Trump administration’s reported plans to orchestrate a regime change in Cuba by year’s end, calling for peaceful dialogue instead of actions that would increase Cuban suffering.
I have received the greatly troubling news regarding an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, two neighboring countries. I echo the message of the Cuban bishops, inviting all responsible parties to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, in order…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) February 1, 2026
Pope Leo XIV issued a public appeal for peace Sunday amid escalating U.S.-Cuba tensions, expressing “greatly troubling news” about increased hostilities between the neighboring nations. The 70-year-old American-born pontiff, born Robert Francis Provost in Chicago, echoed Cuban bishops in urging “all responsible parties to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, in order to avoid violence and every action that could increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people.” His statement follows reports that Trump administration officials have been meeting with Cuban exiles to plan a coup against President Miguel Díaz-Canel, with one White House insider warning Cuba should “make a deal before it’s too late.”
This marks the latest clash between Pope Leo and the Trump administration, following his January condemnation of the administration’s actions in Venezuela. The pontiff has consistently challenged Trump’s policies, previously criticizing immigration enforcement by stating: “Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants who are in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.” Cuban President Díaz-Canel has firmly rejected any intervention, declaring on January 11: “Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates what we do.”