Bishop Silvano Pedroso Montalvo, of Guantánamo-Baracoa, passed away on 13 June at the age of 73 following a serious illness, an event over which the pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deepest regret. His death is a great loss for the Catholic Church in Cuba as the country continues to endure a profound economic and social crisis.
Historical legacy of Bishop Silvano Pedroso
The prelate made history when he became the first bishop of African descent in over five centuries of history of the Catholic Church in Cuba. In 2018, Pope Francis appointed him to Guantánamo-Baracoa, one of the island’s poorest and most challenging dioceses, which faces a persistent lack of resources, geographic isolation, and increasing operational difficulties.
ACN has maintained a close collaboration with the Diocese of Guantánamo-Baracoa over the past years, focusing heavily on the provision of pastoral and humanitarian aid. In the past five years alone, the foundation supported thirteen projects in the diocese, including mass stipends for priests, transportation support, vehicle maintenance, pastoral mobility projects, and emergency aid for local communities affected by natural disasters.
Memories of closeness and dedication to prayer
All those who had contact with Bishop Silvano Pedroso remember him for his simplicity, warmth, and unfailing concern for others. During her most recent visit to Guantánamo-Baracoa, Verónica Katz, ACN project coordinator for Cuba for the past five years, accompanied the bishop for several days, visiting communities all over the diocese.
“He was a very simple man, joyful and with a great sense of humour. Even in the most difficult circumstances he always had a smile and a joke. What I remember most was how close he was to the people and how naturally he always thought of the needs of others before his own”.
One episode remains particularly vivid in her memory, illustrating his detached nature and sense of pastoral mission when he received a case of medication, school material, and other aid provided by ACN for vulnerable communities:
“Before he had even unpacked everything, he was already saying: ‘this is for this community, this is for that parish, and for these families.’ His inner joy came from knowing that others would be benefitting. Anything he received was immediately turned into a way of helping his people”.
She also recalls the bishop’s deep, disciplined relationship with prayer:
“He told me that he always rose very early to pray before starting his day. He explained that if he didn’t the challenges and responsibilities of the day would consume him and leave no time for the Lord. That left a deep impression on me, because it showed what was really at the heart of his life”.
Pastoral challenges and a deep loss for Cuba
Maria Lozano, director of Press and Public Relations at ACN, has travelled to Cuba frequently over almost two decades and keeps up with the life and mission of the local Church, highlighting the massive impact of this loss:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Bishop Silvano. It is especially painful at a moment when Cuba needs pastors capable of encouraging hope amidst so many difficulties. The Church in Cuba has lost a dear pastor, a man who identified greatly with his people, and was especially close to those who suffer”.
Lozano adds that his appointment as the first bishop of African descent in Cuba was a true landmark for the Church and for the island. Nonetheless, those who knew him especially recall his humanity, describing him as humble, happy, and very close to the common people.
As bishop of Guantánamo-Baracoa, Silvano Pedroso faced a variety of structural challenges stemming directly from the complex economic situation in eastern Cuba. Severe fuel shortages, lack of reliable transport, and limited resources often made daily pastoral work much more difficult. However, he remained strictly focused on ensuring that the priests, religious, and lay faithful could continue to serve the communities that live scattered all over the diocese. The director of Public Relations concluded:
“Bishop Silvano embodied the best of the Cuban Church. Closeness to the people, perseverance amidst difficulties and a deep trust in God. His life is a reflection of the silent fidelity of so many bishops, religious, priests and lay people who continue to serve the Church in difficult circumstances”.
