Wellington, 5 May 2025 – The Ambassador of Cuba to New Zealand, Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez, accompanied by his family, attended the Solemn Mass held on Sunday, 4 May, in tribute to Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the city of Palmerston North.
The religious ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Palmerston North, Mr. Grant Smith, as well as all the bishops of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. The Mass was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Gábor Pintér, Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand, and featured a homily delivered by the Most Reverend Stephen Lowe, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and Bishop of Auckland.
During the homily, Bishop Lowe highlighted the pastoral and human qualities that distinguished Pope Francis, emphasizing his closeness to the poor and marginalized, his commitment to social justice, and his tireless efforts to build bridges of dialogue and reconciliation around the world.
After the ceremony, the Cuban Ambassador held a cordial exchange with the Apostolic Nuncio and the President of the Bishops Conference. On this occasion, the lasting memory of Pope Francis’ visits to Cuba and the deep affection he expressed for the Cuban people on numerous occasions were recalled.
The Ambassador’s participation in this solemn act reaffirms the historic ties that unite Cuba with the Vatican.