Cuba to release 51 prisoners after talks with Vatican

"Cuba will release 51 prisoners in the coming days in a gesture of goodwill toward the Vatican, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The announcement comes about two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met Pope Leo at the Vatican. The ministry said the decision followed talks with the Holy See and reflected the "close and fluid relations" between the Cuban government and the Vatican on issues including the review and release of prisoners."

"All have served a significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison, the ministry statement said. Authorities did not identify the inmates or specify the offenses for which they were jailed. The nonprofit rights group Prisoners Defenders said there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026, though it was not immediately clear whether any of those to be freed are political prisoners."

Cuba announced the release of 51 prisoners in a goodwill gesture toward the Vatican following talks between Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Pope Leo. The decision reflects close relations between the Cuban government and the Holy See regarding prisoner review and release matters. All prisoners have served substantial portions of their sentences and demonstrated good behavior in prison. The authorities did not disclose prisoner identities or specific offenses. Cuba claims 10,000 prisoners have been released over the past three years. Prisoners Defenders reported 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026, though it remains unclear if any of the 51 to be freed are political prisoners.

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