Robert Francis Prevost’s recent choice such as Pope Leo XIV has captured worldwide attention, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This new Pontiff was born in Chicago in 1955. He has a deep connection with Latin America thanks to his missionary work in Peru. Likewise, his help played a crucial role in the restoration of the order of San Agustín in Cuba.

Visits to Cuba

In 2005, while serving as a prior of the Augustinians, Prevost received a request from Cardinal Jaime Ortega and Monsignor Emilio Aranguren, Bishop of Holguín. The petition was to facilitate the return of the Order of the Augustinians to Cuba.

The order had been expelled from the island in 1961 during the Fidel Castro regime. Thanks to their efforts, in 2006 the Augustinians resumed their work in the blind of Ávila, subsequently expanding to Puerto Padre, Holguín and Havana.

Prevost visited Cuba twice: in 2008 and 2011. During his first visit, he toured Havana, Ciego de Ávila and Eastern provinces such as Las Tunas and Holguín, where he left a lasting impression due to its simplicity and closeness.

Monsignor Aranguren remembers that, in Puerto Padre, Prevost shared with the local community, highlighting his joy to see the Augustinians evangelizing on the island.

His spiritual accompaniment was also part of the efforts to free 75 opponents, convicted of being contrary to the Cuban government, in what is known as black spring of 2003.

FROM FRANCIS Prevost to Leo XIV

The biography of Leo XIV reflects a life dedicated to religious service and education. After obtaining a degree in Mathematics at the University of Villanova, he entered the order of San Agustín and was sent to Rome. There he studied Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomás de Aquino, where he obtained his degree in 1984.

Subsequently, he worked on the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru, and in 2015 he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, acquiring Peruvian nationality that same year.

His choice as Pope has been received with hope, especially by those who value their commitment to Latin American communities and their work in the reconciliation and strengthening of the Church in the region.

It is expected that its pontificate will continue to promote peace, inclusion and intercultural dialogue, values ​​that it has defended throughout its trajectory.

Leo XIV’s relationship with Cuba and his role in the return of the Augustinians to the island underline their commitment to the revitalization of faith in communities that have faced historical challenges. His leadership promises to strengthen ties between the Vatican and Latin America, promoting a church closer to the realities and needs of its faithful in the region.

The faithful of Cuba receive with hope the pontificate of Leo XIV, remembering his commitment and closeness to the Cuban people during their previous visits.