Over the past several years, I have carried messages from Pope Francis to the Presidents of the United States and Cuba seeking the release of prisoners in Cuba and improved relationships between the two countries for the good of the Cuban people.

It is significant that the year 2025 is being observed in Catholicism as a Biblical Jubilee Year.  In contemporary terms, it is a Holy Year inviting the community of the Church to foster forgiveness, reconciliation and various expressions of compassion.  It is in that spirit that I commend and welcome the decisions of the government of the United States and the government of Cuba to take steps that for years have seemed impossible.

The Cuban government has informed Pope Francis that, in response to his request, it is releasing 553 persons who have been incarcerated for several years.

President Biden has announced that the U.S. will make significant concessions to improve the lives of the Cuban people.  This action has resulted in the decision of the Cuban government to respond to Pope Francis’ petition on behalf of the prisoners.

Pope Francis’ patient and persistent efforts to assist the Cuban people and to foster greater understanding between our two peoples have been an underlying force in bringing about this historic agreement.

The implementation of what has been announced today will obviously be a complex process both in the U.S. and in Cuba.  My prayer is that what has occurred today will indeed result in the release of these prisoners and greater cooperation between our two countries and their peoples.