The United States Embassy in Cuba extended its sympathies this Saturday following the passing of Bishop Silvano Herminio Pedroso Montalvo, who served the dioceses of Guantánamo and Baracoa. The embassy highlighted his lifelong commitment to serving both God and the everyday Cuban people.
"Bishop Silvano devoted his life to serving God and the common Cubans. Known for his humility and approachability, he stood out for supporting those who were suffering and for being present with his communities during challenging times," the U.S. diplomatic mission stated in an official message shared on social media.
Bishop Pedroso passed away early Saturday morning in Havana at the age of 73, following a battle with cancer, as confirmed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba.
Notably, he was the first Afro-Cuban bishop in the history of the Catholic Church in Cuba, having been appointed by Pope Francis on March 29, 2018, to oversee the Guantánamo-Baracoa diocese, one of the nation's most impoverished and isolated regions.
His illness was discovered while he was in Rome for the ad limina visit of the Cuban episcopate, despite the visit's postponement due to a fuel crisis impacting international flights.
On February 20, he met with Pope Leo XIV, and shortly thereafter, he was hospitalized with symptoms that led to his cancer diagnosis, receiving treatment at the Hospital Gemelli and the Jesuit infirmary in Rome.
He returned to Cuba on June 3 and remained under close medical supervision in Havana. Last Thursday, the Conference of Bishops announced his condition had become "very delicate" and that visits were exhausting for him.
The Embassy also recalled a previous meeting with the bishop: in May 2025, then-mission chief Mike Hammer visited eastern Cuba and met with Bishop Pedroso in Guantánamo, where the bishop discussed the "challenging conditions" faced by the region.
This personal encounter added a heartfelt tone to the condolence message, in which the diplomatic mission affirmed that the bishop's life "demonstrated a deep love for Cuba and an unwavering dedication to ensuring that the Cuban people could live with dignity and hope."
Born on April 25, 1953, in Cárdenas, Matanzas, Pedroso Montalvo studied Geography at the University of Havana before entering the Major Seminary of San Carlos and San Ambrosio in 1987.
He was ordained a priest on June 12, 1995, by Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino at the Cathedral of Havana. His episcopal motto was "Love one another as I have loved you."
His funeral took place this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the parish of Santa Catalina de Siena, in Vedado, with burial following at the Colon Cemetery.
The Embassy concluded its message with a verse from 2 Timothy 4:7, encapsulating the bishop's journey: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Bishop Silvano Pedroso and His Legacy
Who was Bishop Silvano Pedroso?
Bishop Silvano Pedroso was the Bishop of Guantánamo and Baracoa, known for his humility and dedication to serving God and the Cuban people. He was the first Afro-Cuban bishop in the history of the Catholic Church in Cuba.
What was Bishop Pedroso's contribution to the Cuban community?
Bishop Pedroso was known for his commitment to accompanying those who suffered and supporting his communities during difficult times. His life was marked by a profound love for Cuba and a dedication to dignity and hope for the Cuban people.
When was Bishop Pedroso appointed by Pope Francis?
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Pedroso on March 29, 2018, to lead the diocese of Guantánamo-Baracoa.