The Holy See celebrated its first Holy Mass for Peace and Development in Cuba, a nation currently facing severe economic pressures and a military threat from the United States, which gravely endanger its people.
The liturgical celebration took place in the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Rome, presided over by Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Holy See, who asked for prayers that “the beloved land of Cuba may experience days of greater serenity,” of harmony and hope.
The religious ceremony included remarks from the Cuban ambassador to the Holy See, Leyde Rodríguez, as well as Father Vincenzo D’Adamo, rector of the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Jesuit priest Massimo Névola, who addressed a large number of attendees at this event, which was of great importance in the current context.
Among the participants were also the Cuban ambassador to Italy, Jorge Luis Cepero; Congressman Miguel Barnet, a renowned Cuban poet, novelist, essayist, and ethnologist, who is currently visiting Italy; and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rome and the Holy See.
Members of friendship associations with Cuba, members of the Cuban community residing in Italy, and other religious, political, and social authorities from this European nation were also present.
In his opening remarks, Father Vincenzo D’Adamo spoke of the need to increase solidarity with Cuba, which is currently the victim of an aggressive policy of U.S. imperialism, marked by intense economic pressure and the use of violence.
Cardinal Michael Czerny then stated that in this Mass, “we bring before the altar of the Lord the sufferings, hopes, and expectations of the Cuban people, and we do so with respect, sincerity, and a deep affection for a land that holds a history rich in dignity, culture, sacrifice, faith, and resilience.”
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development asserted, in clear reference to the pressures and threats facing Cuba, that “any logic of permanent confrontation risks exacerbating the burden already placed on ordinary people, especially the poorest, the elderly, the sick, and children.”
He also referred to the importance of maintaining trust when everything seems fragile and precarious, because “every authentic human path toward peace and justice requires patience, discernment, and spiritual courage.”
The cardinal quoted Pope Leo XIV, who recently reaffirmed that “no stable order can be born of the force of arms or of pressure that humiliates peoples” and that “human development grows, instead, through dialogue, international law, cooperation among nations, and the protection of the dignity of every human being.”
Father Névola recalled in his address that “the Gospel teaches us that other paths must be taken, instead of those of violence,” described the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba as a veritable siege, and condemned the threats of military invasion.
In his closing remarks, the Cuban ambassador to the Holy See expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Cuban people and government for the Mass, emphasizing that his country is a nation of solidarity, peace, sovereignty, and independence, and “does not pose a threat to the national security of any other nation.”
“We have the right to live in peace, without threats of military aggression, with respect for human dignity, and without obstacles of any kind to our comprehensive economic development,” the diplomat stressed.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
