Cubans Unite in Prayer for Freedom from Communism
Cubans from around 20 different churches across the nation participated in a global prayer event on April 26, appealing for divine intervention to bless the island and liberate it from communist rule.
This prayer coincided with a significant gathering called “Unite for a Free Cuba” in Miami, Florida. Attended by artists, journalists, former political prisoners, and various activists, the event garnered interest throughout the United States. Organizer Orlando Gutierrez-Boronatto shared with Breitbart News that this initiative aimed to amplify collective prayers amidst a remarkable rise in Christianity on the island, especially in light of its history of more than fifty years of Christian persecution.
Gutierrez-Boronatto, who coordinates the Cuban Resistance Congress (ARC), commented, “I think the prayers here support their efforts and have recently helped facilitate one of the largest church mobilizations in Cuba.”
Historically, Cuba was a Spanish colony with a predominantly Catholic population, which persisted even after it gained independence. However, following the Communist takeover in 1959, Christianity was largely suppressed, and only allowed as a tool for the Communist regime. Those who sought to uphold genuine faith often faced severe consequences, such as imprisonment or being sent to concentration camps. Tragically, some were executed, with one man reportedly shouting, “Long live Christ the King!” before his execution.
Even with Raul Castro’s apparent rapport with the late Pope Francis, practicing Christianity in Cuba remains perilous. Despite ongoing repression, many people continue to embrace their faith, gathering openly on Sundays to pray for a brighter future.
Images and videos shared with Breitbart News show believers rallying in towns including Manati, Manzanillo, and Havana. Participants included Baptists, Pentecostals, Catholics, and others, all joined together in prayer.
From the western region of Pinar del Rio to Camaguey in the east, worshippers united under the “Save Cuba” initiative, which began in January as spiritual support for the ongoing protests against communism on the island.
During one of the prayer gatherings, speakers expressed hopes for a future free from the dictatorship and sought forgiveness for the actions taken against faith in the wake of the Castro regime. One speaker implored, “We want change. We want to save our country,” inviting the crowd to kneel in prayer.
Another speaker added, “It is we who will save our country. That is what you have called us, Father, to bless our Cuba.” At another event, the worship space was adorned with flags from various nations, and attendees of all ages participated in songs and prayers.
Christianity has historically played a vital role in Cuba’s struggle for liberation. For instance, priests were involved in the planning of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Women in White—mothers and relatives of political prisoners—have protested the regime by attending Mass dressed in white while carrying images of the imprisoned.
In Florida, at the “Unite for a Free Cuba” gathering, participants emphasized the essential role faith plays in the movement. Jose Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and a former political prisoner, noted the regime’s attempts to erase God from the minds of the Cuban people but affirmed that they have staunchly resisted such efforts.
Open Doors has ranked Cuba as 24th on the 2026 World Watch List of the most dangerous places for Christians. The group’s findings indicate a high level of violent oppression in Cuba, surpassing that of countries known for jihadist movements.
While pressure on Christians remains serious, the government’s hostility appears to be more selectively aimed. Christians who resist aligning with the regime due to their beliefs often face harassment, with particular attacks targeting leaders and members of independent churches.
