At the start of his address, Rodriguez highlighted the organization’s work, to which the island has maintained historic ties of friendship and academic cooperation.

Speaking at the “Religion and Diplomacy” seminar, the ambassador reviewed pivotal moments and figures in Cuban nation’s history, all connected to the religious spirit that has accompanied it since its founding moments.

The diplomat underscored that, regarding the culture-religion dynamic, Cubans may mention the Virgin of La Caridad del Cobre, declared Cuba’s patron saint by Pope Benedict XV in 1916, whose shrine is located in the town of the same name in eastern Cuba, and “she is also depicted in a beautiful sculpture in the Vatican Gardens.”

He also highlighted the historical significance of the religious and diplomatic ties forged during the apostolic visits to Cuba by the popes John Paul II in January 1998, Benedict XVI in March 2012, and Francis in September 2015.

Rodriguez pointed out that, likewise, “the Cuban State has invited Pope Leo XIV to visit our people, to offer him sincere affection and warm hospitality.”

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