Worshippers gathered in Old Havana on Friday (April 3) for prayers and reflection on Good Friday, a sacred day in the Christian calendar, as Cuba faced its most stringent U.S. sanctions in decades.

Good Friday is the second of four Catholic holidays leading to Easter Sunday. This year's commemoration coincided with the Cuban government's announcement of amnesty for over 2,000 prisoners, marking the largest release in a decade. The releases began early Friday, just hours after state-run media described the move on Thursday (April 2) as a "sovereign and humanitarian" gesture.

Mileidys Lopez, a devotee attending the religious procession, praised the amnesty. "We are happy with this situation, that many prisoners are today celebrating Good Friday with their families ... we thank all the support that the government has given for this situation which is very beneficial," she said.

Catholic faithful offered prayers for world peace, unity among Cubans, and the health and economic prosperity of the island, which is currently facing a severe economic crisis marked by shortages of medicine, food, and fuel. Cuba received its first significant oil delivery in three months earlier this week. The island is grappling with a deepening energy crisis triggered after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump cut off its fuel supply.

The Trump administration has intensified sanctions against its longtime foe, returning Cuba to a U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, tightening rules on remittances, and shutting off Biden-era migration programs.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

HAVANA, CUBA (APRIL 3, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. PROCESSION OF THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS THROUGH STREETS

2. STATUE OF JESUS BEING CARRIED AMONG STREETS AS RESIDENTS WATCH FROM BALCONIES

3. PRIESTS AND FAITHFUL IN PROCESSION

4. PEOPLE WATCHING PROCESSION FROM BALCONIES

5. PEOPLE WATCHING PROCESSION PASS BY

6. FAITHFUL PARTICIPATING IN PROCESSION

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DEVOTEE, MILEIDYS LOPEZ, SAYING:

"We are happy with this situation, that many prisoners are today celebrating Good Friday with their families, many surely are reunited with them, and they will live this waiting time happy and we thank all the support that the government has given for this situation which is very beneficial."

8. PEOPLE WATCHING PROCESSION FROM BALCONY

9. PEOPLE CARRYING RELIGIOUS FIGURE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DEVOTEE, AIDE DESPAIGNE, SAYING:

"Peace, peace, what we ask for is peace, zero politics, zero everything, peace is what we ask for, and so many needs that exist. May God cover all needs, give peace, health, that's what the people of Cuba ask for."

11. FAITHFUL CARRYING CROSS DURING PROCESSION

12. FAITHFUL CARRYING RELIGIOUS FIGURES DURING PROCESSION