Leandro Naun, a Catholic priest born in Santiago de Cuba, has witnessed firsthand the violent outbursts that mirror the frustration, powerlessness, and discontent of the Cuban people. The Cuban pastor shared with the news outlet 14 y Medio that the key is understanding the "repressed impotence" that propels a Cuban to unleash their anger and frustration, even violently, if necessary—a scenario he knows all too well.
A year ago, his family fell victim to such aggression: three masked thieves broke into his parents' house on the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba, beat his mother, and slashed his father with a machete.
Naun recalled, "My father survived that attack, which almost cost him his life." From that experience, he concluded that "violence in Cuba will continue to rise and is directly proportional to the frustration, powerlessness, and discontent the population feels."
He told the news portal, "You can see it in people's eyes, in the harsh expressions they throw even at neighbors and family members."
According to the cleric, "the general mood is at rock bottom," reflecting the widespread discontent due to the scarcity of food and medicine, compounded by frequent blackouts.
"Perhaps the days of partying and drinking are a temporary pause amid so much suffering, much like the holidays of the enslaved black workers: 'How kind is the master!' they would say while dancing as if there were no tomorrow. The memory of yesterday is fragile for the poor," he reflected to 14 y Medio.
Different Realities in Rural Eastern Cuba
Naun explained that reality in the mountainous regions of eastern Cuba is very different from the rest of the country. "In places without internet access, it's another world narrated by the official press," he said, highlighting that in these areas, suffering in silence and feeling overwhelmed by despair are common.
He believes that, in this context, churches are places of tolerance. He also feels the duty to speak to everyone equally: "On the same bench sit the head of the Federation of Cuban Women, the chief of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution, and a mother with her son imprisoned since July 11."
The Impact of Migration
Regarding the issue of migration, a phenomenon from which the Catholic Church in Cuba is not exempt, Naun explained that many priests and nuns have also fled the misery in Cuba.
However, he does not criticize them and believes that anyone with a missionary spirit should be able to travel. He also noted that leaving does not free one from Cuba, pointing out that nostalgia binds the emigrant, not to mention the family left behind, from whom no one can completely detach.
Nonetheless, he admitted his admiration for those who have chosen to remain in Cuba despite the pressures from the government and state security, mentioning Nadieska Almeida and Alberto Reyes. "They are like voices crying out in the wilderness," citing Reyes, and endure "misunderstandings from all sides, from one shore to the other," as noted by the cited web portal.
Each day, Naun travels through various mountainous communities in Santiago de Cuba, distributing food to several people in his gray Toyota, often before the rations arrive at the store. His presence brings comfort and hope.
His daily experiences and the people he interacts with feed a YouTube channel that also serves as a platform for denouncing injustices. "Every day we must improvise, change, and redirect our path," he said.
"Everything is unstable in my work environment. Everything is fragile and fleeting like the grass in the field. Everything is dangerous: speaking, thinking, or acting," he noted, highlighting the pressures he faces daily, also hinting at the human miseries he's had to witness and attempt to bring hope to, at the very least.
Despite everything, he affirmed, "There is nothing more subversive than living and being happy in a place where many barely survive," demonstrating the optimism that always accompanies him.
This is not the first time a Catholic priest has warned about the rising violence in Cuba and its consequences. Recently, Father Alberto Reyes, from the Archdiocese of Camagüey, stated that violence in Cuba is not a phenomenon exclusive to the youth but "something widespread."
In statements to Martí Noticias, Father Alberto expressed his concern about the prevailing climate of violence and tension in Cuban society, following a mass brawl over the weekend at La Finca de los Monos in Havana, where six teenagers were injured, according to government statistics.
"Yes, there is a very significant increase in violence. In fact, we are worried, scared (...), we no longer go out with the same confidence as before. It is a new and very concerning phenomenon. I believe the involvement of young people makes it more dramatic, but it is something widespread," he emphasized.
Understanding Violence in Cuba
Here are some questions and answers to help better understand the situation of violence in Cuba, based on the insights from Leandro Naun and other sources.
What are the main causes of the rising violence in Cuba?
The primary causes include widespread frustration, powerlessness, scarcity of food and medicine, and frequent blackouts, all of which contribute to the general discontent among the population.
How does the lack of internet access affect rural areas in Cuba?
In rural areas without internet access, the reality is often dictated by the official press, leading to a different perception of events and a sense of suffering in silence and despair.
What role do churches play in Cuban society according to Leandro Naun?
Churches serve as places of tolerance and comfort, where people from various backgrounds and views come together, offering a sense of community and hope amid widespread discontent.