“I believe it’s essential for some people to go to jail for the sake of democracy. It will in the end strengthen the movement.”

23 senators voted against Ms. Gingrich’s confirmation, a departure from previous nominations that faced little opposition.

“We absolutely welcome the pope’s strong statement on this issue; we welcome the moral clarity and the leadership he is showing.”

The alleged attacks started last fall and initially targeted U.S. agents stationed at the U.S. embassy in Havana.

Cardinal Farrell told Canadian young people: “Make a difference. Don’t let the world control you; don’t let it drag you down.”

The president’s threats, according to the statement, “have brought the world to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe and have intensified global insecurity.”