During the cordial and mutually respectful conversation, the Head of State expressed his pleasure at receiving the visit and emphasized that Cuba welcomes and supports Archbishop Santiago’s proposal to organize an International Conference on Religious Freedom in 2026, according to a publication on the Cuban presidency’s website.

This event would coincide with three significant anniversaries: the Centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, the 30th anniversary of the Metropolis, and the 35th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Diaz-Canel, through the archbishop, extended a formal invitation to Patriarch Bartholomew to visit the island whenever he deems it appropriate, assuring him that he would be received “with the utmost appreciation.”

For his part, Archbishop Santiago expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the honor of being in Cuba, a nation with which he is always close.

He exoressed that he also includes President Diaz-Canel’s name in his homilies, given the way in which he has maintained the relationship, and highlighted the constant support of the Cuban state.

Archbishop Santiago’s visit, part of a pastoral program linked to the celebrations of Saint Nicholas of Myra, included meetings with Orthodox communities in the provinces of Holguín, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba.

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