Pope John Paul II visited Cuba from January 21 to 25, 1998, marking a historic moment that underscored the Catholic Church's commitment to advocating for human rights and political change in repressive regimes. As part of his visit, the Pope addressed a wide audience in Revolution Square in Havana, where he emphasized the necessity for political reform in Cuba, calling upon the government to consider the plight of political prisoners. His remarks resonated deeply among Cubans, many of whom had long suffered under the continued restrictions of the communist government led by Fidel Castro.

Additionally, during his speeches, Pope John Paul II condemned the economic embargo imposed by the United States, arguing that it only served to harm the Cuban populace rather than lead to meaningful change. He promoted a message of peace and dialogue, aiming to bridge divides between the U.S. and Cuba. This was particularly significant considering the historical context of U.S.-Cuba relations marked by decades of hostility and isolation following the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

The Pope's visit was not only a spiritual pilgrimage but also a diplomatic mission. His presence on the island and his strong calls for reform ignited conversations on human rights within a country where dissent was often met with severe consequences. It also prompted international attention toward the internal dynamics of Cuban governance and its relationship with the United States, which was increasingly scrutinized in the 1990s.