Cuba to release 51 prisoners during Holy Week following talks with Holy See

Answering questions from journalists, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed on Friday that there have been recent discussions between the Holy See and Cuban authorities “regarding the release of prisoners" in the Caribbean island State.

This follows a statement released on Thursday by Cuban officials which says, “In a spirit of goodwill and of the close and fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Vatican – relations through which communication has historically been maintained regarding review processes and the release of persons deprived of liberty – the Government of Cuba has decided to release, in the coming days, 51 people serving prison sentences.”

The statement also notes that they are all inmates who have served “a significant part of their sentence and have maintained good behaviour in prison.”