Pope Leo Asks Trump To Do What?
Pope Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the United States and Cuba to pursue what he described as a “sincere and effective dialogue” as tensions rise between the two neighboring countries.
In a public message, the pope said he was troubled by reports of worsening relations and warned that further escalation could increase hardship for everyday Cubans. He echoed appeals from Catholic bishops in Cuba urging restraint and peaceful engagement to prevent additional suffering.
The Vatican’s comments come as Donald Trump moves forward with a tougher U.S. stance toward the Cuban government. Earlier this week, President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on countries and organizations that continue doing business with Cuba—particularly those supplying the island with oil.
Under a newly declared national emergency, the Trump administration outlined a tariff system allowing the U.S. to impose additional import duties on goods from foreign countries that directly or indirectly provide petroleum to Cuba. The administration argues that oil shipments help prop up the Cuban regime while ordinary citizens continue to struggle economically.
Trump warned that countries such as Russia, China, and Iran could face penalties if they continue supporting Cuba. The policy also targets militant organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah, that U.S. officials say benefit from financial and logistical ties linked to the Cuban government.
The White House has framed the move as part of a broader effort to apply economic pressure on hostile regimes, promote accountability, and protect U.S. national security interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Cuba’s leadership has responded with defiance. Last month, officials in Havana rejected U.S. demands outright, insisting they would not negotiate under economic pressure.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that Cuba is a sovereign nation and accused the United States of decades of aggression. His remarks reflect the Cuban government’s long-standing opposition to U.S. sanctions and economic enforcement measures.
The exchange highlights the growing divide between Washington and Havana as President Trump continues to pursue a hardline foreign policy focused on economic leverage, regional stability, and confronting adversarial governments.
