Bishop Silvano Pedroso: A humble shepherd who was close to the people
ACN mourns the death of Cuba’s first bishop of African descent.
Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deepest regret over the death of Bishop Silvano Herminio Pedroso Montalvo, of Guantánamo-Baracoa, on 13 June, at the age of 73, following a serious illness. His death is a great loss for the Catholic Church in Cuba as the country endures a profound economic and social crisis.
Bishop Silvano 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 islands’ poorest and most challenging dioceses, facing lack of resources, isolation and increasing difficulties.
ACN has had a close collaboration with the Diocese of Guantánamo-Baracoa over the past years, including 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 communities affected by natural disasters.
All those who had contact with Bishop Silvano 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,” Katz recalls. “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 to her. When he received a case of medication, school material and other aid provided by ACN for vulnerable communities, the bishop opened it immediately. “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,” Katz explains.
She also recalls the bishop’s deep 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.”
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. She highlights the great 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.”
“His appointment as the first bishop of African descent in Cuba was a landmark for the Church and for the island. Nonetheless, those who knew him especially recall his humanity. He was humble, happy and very close to the common people,” Lozano adds.
As bishop of Guantánamo-Baracoa, Silvano Pedroso faced a variety of challenges stemming from the economic situation in eastern Cuba. Fuel shortages, lack of transport and limited resources often made pastoral work more difficult. However, he remained focused on ensuring that the priests, religious and lay faithful could continue to serve the communities that live all over the diocese.
“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,” says Lozano.
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