The Cuban government has decided to release more than 50 prisoners, a move described as a routine practice, particularly implemented ahead of the Holy Week. This decision comes amidst increasing demands from the United States for Cuba to release political prisoners and to make economic and political changes. On Friday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel is scheduled to hold a press conference addressing both national and international issues.

In late February, significant diplomatic interactions occurred between Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and U.S. chargé d'affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer, during their meeting in Rome. This meeting has sparked speculation regarding a potential mediation role by the Vatican to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Havana. Recently, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin indicated that the Holy See aims for a dialogue-oriented approach to addressing existing problems in Cuba, suggesting a heightened interest in the bilateral relations from the Vatican's side.

The Cuban leadership emphasizes that the decision to release these prisoners is a sovereign one and not directly linked to U.S. pressure, portraying it instead as a standard practice in their justice system. This release could be seen as a potential attempt to ease tensions with the U.S. while reaffirming Cuba's independence in decision-making. However, the timing of the announcement ahead of Holy Week raises questions about the motivations behind it and the broader implications for U.S.-Cuba relations moving forward.