Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue and Peace as Reports Surface of Trump-Aligned Plot to Oust Cuba’s Leader

Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Provost in Chicago and now 70 — has publicly urged calm and dialogue after reports emerged alleging that Trump-aligned insiders discussed plans to unseat Cuba’s leadership.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the American pontiff appealed for peaceful resolution and echoed a call from Cuban bishops for restraint and sincere negotiation between the neighboring countries.

'I have received the greatly troubling news regarding an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, two neighboring countries,' the pope wrote. 'I echo the message of the Cuban bishops, inviting all responsible parties to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, in order to avoid violence and every action that could increase the suffering of the dear Cuban people.'

The statement came amid media reports — notably in The Wall Street Journal — that people close to former President Donald Trump have explored options to remove Miguel Díaz-Canel from power by the end of 2026. Those reports say some U.S.-based exile groups and other contacts were approached about possible plans, and that officials were compiling lists of Cuban figures who might be persuaded to participate in a transition.

One source quoted in press coverage described Cuba's leaders as 'incompetent Marxists' and warned that Havana should 'make a deal before it's too late.' These comments, reported as coming from an administration insider, added urgency to regional concerns and prompted the pope's intervention.

Trump is seemingly inspired by his own actions in Venezuela last month, which Pope Leo similarly condemned after a meeting with opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado. / Vatican media

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly rejected any outside pressure in a January 11 post on X, asserting Cuba's sovereignty: 'Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one dictates what we do. Cuba does not aggress; it is aggressed upon by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood.'

Pope Leo XIV has previously criticized interventionist approaches in the region. After reports of a kidnapping attempt targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3 — an episode some commentators likened to a potential blueprint for actions against other governments — the pope warned against a growing 'zeal for war' and expressed deep concern for civilians affected by geopolitical maneuvers.

He has also spoken out on moral consistency in U.S. policy debates, arguing that positions on issues such as abortion, the death penalty, and immigration should be coherent with a genuine 'pro-life' ethic.

What to Watch

Further verification is needed about the alleged plans and the identities of those involved. The Vatican's public call for dialogue underscores the diplomatic stakes and the risk of escalating tensions that could harm ordinary Cubans. Observers will be watching official U.S. responses, reporting from reliable outlets, and any statements from exile groups or Cuban officials.