U.S.-Cuban relations are at a pivotal point in 2026. Pope Leo, in the footsteps of his predecessor, is reaching out to both nations for sincere dialogue and open discussion. The tensions of this moment, caught on the verge of crisis, can be resolved through mediation, conversation, and continued cooperation.

A new U.S. policy towards Cuba based on engagement, not isolation, would benefit both Cubans and Americans.

Rapprochement between the two nations could help repair an age-old adversarial relationship and spur a new era of collaborative foreign policy in Latin America.