The US is set to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, coinciding with the release of political prisoners as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church. This decision, part of the Biden administration's final acts, reverses a Trump-era policy and acknowledges that Cuba does not currently support terrorism. While the Cuban government welcomed the move, it criticized ongoing US economic sanctions as harmful. The release of 553 prisoners is framed as an act of mercy, influenced by Pope Francis, amidst ongoing tensions and criticisms from some Republicans.