Catholic Church Sounds Alarm on Cuba's Fuel Crisis

Delivery of humanitarian aid through the church severely disrupted, says Miami archbishop.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:45pm

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A realistic oil painting depicting a lone Catholic church van parked on a dimly lit Cuban street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, nostalgic atmosphere.The Catholic Church's humanitarian efforts in Cuba face new challenges as the country's fuel crisis disrupts the delivery of vital aid.Today in Miami

Cuba's worsening fuel crisis is now severely hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid distributed through the Catholic Church, according to Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski. The archbishop said Caritas, the church's aid organization, has resorted to using 'almost what I would describe as wheelbarrows' to distribute supplies due to the lack of fuel.

Why it matters

The Catholic Church plays a vital role in providing humanitarian aid to Cubans, especially amid the country's ongoing economic and political crises. The fuel shortage threatens to disrupt this crucial assistance, leaving many Cubans without access to basic necessities.

The details

Archbishop Wenski, who has helped coordinate aid efforts to Cuba, said the fuel crisis has made it extremely difficult for the church to transport and deliver supplies. Caritas, the church's aid organization, has had to resort to using makeshift methods like wheelbarrows to move food and other items to those in need.

  • The fuel crisis in Cuba has been worsening in recent months.

The players

Thomas Wenski

The Archbishop of Miami who has helped coordinate humanitarian aid efforts to Cuba.

Caritas

The Catholic Church's aid organization that is struggling to distribute supplies in Cuba due to the fuel shortage.

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What they’re saying

“Caritas was using almost what I would describe as wheelbarrows to distribute it. They sent me the photos.”

— Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami

The takeaway

The fuel crisis in Cuba is severely disrupting the Catholic Church's ability to provide vital humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, highlighting the dire situation facing the country and the importance of the church's relief efforts.