The World Watch List compiled by the NGO Open Doors has concluded that Cuba is the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere to profess the Christian faith. Cuba was ranked 26th [with a score of 73] among the 50 countries of the world where Christians faced the most harassment. Only countries in Asia and Africa had worse rankings.[1]
This List was based on extensive surveys of Christian leaders and experts in more than 100 countries to assess “the level of oppression experienced by believers in the private, family, social (community), national and ecclesial spheres.”
The Open Doors Report on Cuba[2]
“Since 1959, Cuba has been ruled by the Communist Party, which attempts to control the church. The government reacts harshly to anyone who opposes it. Church leaders and Christian activists who criticize the regime can be questioned, arrested and imprisoned. They also suffer smear campaigns, travel restrictions and harassment, which can include physical violence and damage to church buildings.”
“Relatives of these leaders also face threats, including losing custody of their children. The government often refuses to register new churches, forcing many to operate illegally. These churches are vulnerable to fines, property confiscation, and even demolition.”
“In Cuba, Christian women and girls face pressure, in part due to loopholes in domestic violence laws. Domestic violence worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a new family code offers more protection, the rising rate of femicides (murders of women) remains a serious threat to Christian women and girls.”
“Christian men in Cuba often face arrest and harassment because they are more likely to be leaders who criticize the government. They can be fined, have their Christian books taken away, and even receive death threats. House church leaders (often men) report frequent visits from state security agents who threaten their jobs and their children’s education.”
“Men are required to serve in the military, and Christian recruits often face discrimination. Some are forced to take part in military operations that go against their beliefs.”
“The term “type of persecution” is used to describe different situations that provoke hostility towards Christians. The types of persecution of Christians in Cuba are: dictatorial paranoia, communist and post-communist oppression, and secular intolerance.”
” Sources of persecution” are the drivers/executors of hostilities, violent or non-violent, against Christians. They tend to be smaller (radical) groups within the larger group of followers of a particular worldview. Sources of persecution of Christians in Cuba include: government officials, political parties, ideological pressure groups, non-Christian religious leaders, citizens, and gangs.”
Other Comments on Cuban Religious Persecution[3]
“In mid-February, Father Castor José Álvarez Devesa, one of the Catholic priests who suffer repression in Cuba for his open opposition to the regime, said that the authorities have long tried to turn the people against the bishops of the island. “We have Fidel (Castro), who wanted to ignore the bishops of Cuba. Totalitarian rulers try to dominate the heads in order to dominate the body. It is convenient for them to have all the heads within their territory dominated, and when there is an external dependency that is a problem, then they try to directly influence the Vatican,” said the parish priest, who was one of the religious leaders who joined the people during the anti-government protests on July 11 and 12, 2021, for which he was beaten with a bat.” In addition, “Several Cuban religious leaders were tried and sentenced to prison terms following the protests.”
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[1] Open Doors, World Watch List 2025.
[2] Open Doors, Cuba Report 2025.
[3] Cuba is the most dangerous country for Christians in America a report reveals, Diario de Cuba (Feb. 25, 2025).
