Pope Francis on Sunday hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture of great hope” that he prayed would be undertaken elsewhere, as he welcomed an agreement the Vatican helped facilitate as part of a three-way dialogue with Washington and Havana that dates back to the Cuban missile crisis.

The Cuban government announced that it would release hundreds of political prisoners, citing inspiration from Pope Francis' emphasis on mercy for prisoners during the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis expressed the hope that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that came into effect on Sunday, Jan. 19, “would be respected immediately by all the parties [involved]” and would lead to “the release of all the hostages” and the rapid provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza.

The Cuban government’s announcement of the prisoner release dated Jan. 14 cited 'the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025' and noted Pope Francis’ mediation in the negotiations.

Cuba’s statement refers to Pope Francis’ call to release prisoners during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which began on Dec. 24, 2024, at the Vatican.

Following the Cuban regime's recent announcement of prisoner releases, the Vatican issued a statement on Wednesday describing the move as a testament

The deal, which comes less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, also includes rolling back a 2017 memorandum issued during his first term.

President Biden, a Catholic, awarded the medal with distinction to the pontiff, to whom he has turned for personal guidance.

Trump’s decision to return Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism ensures that the U.S. remains vigilant of rogue regimes such as Cuba’s | Opinion

President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive actions, revoking 78 of Joe Biden’s policies, hours after returning to the White House. The 47th US president ordered a crackdown on immigration and withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement and World Health Organization.

Angelus address with pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the Gaza