Cuba Releases 51 Prisoners as Goodwill Gesture to Vatican

The Cuban government has announced the release of 51 prisoners as a gesture of goodwill towards the Vatican. The announcement was made on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and follows dialogue between Havana and the Vatican.

According to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prisoners being released have served a significant portion of their sentences and have demonstrated good behavior. The announcement was made via Telegram, without disclosing the names or offenses of the prisoners.

This move is seen as strengthening diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Vatican, which has expressed concerns about prison conditions in Cuba. Cuba and the Vatican cooperate on various issues, with Cuba seeking to improve its international image and strengthen dialogue on human rights.