Pope Francis Wants Cuba to Release Cuban Protesters Arrested in 2021

The 2021 Cuban protests resulted in the arrests of hundreds of people who criticized Cuba's government over economic hardships, and now, Pope Francis seeks to have them freed.

Cardinal Beniamino Stella, who traveled to Cuba as Pope Francis' special envoy, said Wednesday that the Argentinian pontiff hopes the Cuban government will release and grant amnesty to the protesters arrested during the historic protests.

The cardinal further noted that the Catholic Church also hoped Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and U.S. President Joe Biden could hold talks amid the tense relations between the two countries.

According to the Associated Press, Stella arrived on the island in mid-January and will remain there until February 10. While on the island, he visited the University of Havana to observe the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Cuba.

During an act at the university, Stella recalled Cuba's national heroes, Father Félix Varela and José Martí, and emphasized the need for understanding among Cubans.

The cardinal also told reporters that he has already talked to Pope Francis about interceding to have Cuban authorities grant amnesty to the 2021 protesters before his Cuba trip.

"The Church wants, seeks, has manifested this proposal (amnesty)," said Stella, adding that he thinks "the issue is on the table.

"The Pope very much wants there to be a positive response, whether it is called amnesty, clemency, the words can be secondary, but it is important that the young people who at one point expressed their thoughts... they can go back to their homes," he added.

Cubans Protested About Cuba's Severe Economic Crisis in 2021

The 2021 Cuban protests were the largest mass protests held in Cuba in decades. However, these were violently put down by the government. According to Arab News, around 1,300 people were arrested after the protests.

Some of the demonstrations turned violent, with looting and rioting. Some 700 people were sentenced in connection to the protests, who wanted their voices heard amid Cuba's severe economic crisis and blackouts.

For the repression of free demonstrations by the Cuban government, human rights groups and the United States criticized the island. As for the Catholic Church, it has previously interceded successfully in helping free several government opponents.

Pope Francis Offers Cuba a Message of Hope During 25th Anniversary of St. John Paul II's Visit

As Pope Francis is trying to secure the freedom of hundreds of protesters, he is also sending a message of hope. In a letter to Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez of San Cristóbal de La Habana, the pontiff conveyed his blessings to the Cuban Church as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of Saint John Paul II's Apostolic visit to Cuba.

According to Vatican News, the pope encouraged the Cuban faithful to continue building their nation "with hope and determination." He also thanked the Cubans for their "example of collaboration and mutual help" and their spirit of openness.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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