Pope Francis has expressed his concern over the political situation in Nicaragua, particularly the recent sentencing of Bishop Rolando Álvarez to 26 years in prison by the country’s dictatorship.
During his Angelus address on February 12th, the Pope entrusted Nicaragua to the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. He prayed for Bishop Álvarez, who was charged with being a “traitor of the homeland” on February 10th, along with the 222 political prisoners who were deported to the United States, and for all those who are suffering in Nicaragua.
The Pope urged political leaders and citizens of the country to search for peace through dialogue, based on truth, justice, freedom, and love, which he believes can be achieved through the patient exercise of dialogue.
Ortega’s regime has also acted to suppress Catholic radio and television stations and driven Catholic religious orders, including the Missionaries of Charity, out of the country.
“I cannot but remember with concern Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, whom I care about deeply. The news from Nicaragua has grieved me a great deal, and I ask the Lord, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, to open the hearts of political leaders and all citizens to the sincere search for peace.”
Bishop Álvarez, an outspoken critic of Ortega’s regime, was under house arrest since August 2022. On February 11th, Bishop Álvarez refused to leave the country, along with other released political prisoners, including four priests, who were flown to the U.S. in an agreement with the State Department. U.S. Representative Chris Smith said:
“Bishop Álvarez is a Christ-like figure with a servant’s heart. We must continue to work to combat the brutal Ortega regime and free the remaining prisoners – including courageous Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who refuses to abandon his flock.”
Subsequently, Ortega’s regime charged Bishop Álvarez with being a “traitor of the homeland” and sentenced him to 26 years in prison.
Pray for Bishop Álvarez!
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