Nicaragua Releases Jailed Bishop and Clergy After Pope's Plea
In a sudden reversal, the Nicaraguan government has released 19 clergymen, including the prominent Bishop Rolando Álvarez, in response to Pope Francis's New Year's Day address highlighting the persecution of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.
Bishop Álvarez, known for his vocal criticism of the government, had been convicted of treason and sentenced to 26 years in prison last February. Alongside him, Bishop Isidoro Mora, 15 priests, and two seminarians were also released. The move comes after international pressure and condemnation of the Nicaraguan government's crackdown on religious leaders and its broader assault on dissent.
Silvio Báez, a Nicaraguan bishop in exile in the United States, celebrated the news during a Sunday Mass in Miami, describing the release as a triumph over the "criminal Sandinista dictatorship" led by President Daniel Ortega. Báez expressed confidence in the power of faith, stating that the government had failed to overcome the resilience of religious leaders and the support they garnered globally.
The release follows Pope Francis's public expression of concern during his New Year's Day address, where he drew attention to the alarming situation in Nicaragua. The Pope lamented the imprisonment of bishops and priests, urging the Nicaraguan government to respect religious freedom and human rights.
In response to the Pope's plea, the Nicaraguan government officially handed over the 19 clergymen to the Vatican. The government expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for what they described as "very respectful and discreet coordination" in facilitating the release.
President Ortega's regime has faced criticism in recent years for suppressing opposition leaders and dissidents, leading to a growing international outcry. The Roman Catholic Church has been a consistent target, with leaders continuing to speak out against government abuses. Martha Patricia Molina, a researcher tracking attacks on clergymen in Nicaragua, documented over 782 acts of aggression against the Catholic Church since 2018, including physical assaults on priests.
While the release of the clergymen has been welcomed, concerns linger about the forced exile imposed on them. Many of the religious leaders are elderly, and the prospect of leaving their homeland is a painful reality. Critics argue that while the release from imprisonment is a positive development, the government's actions reflect a broader disregard for religious freedom and human rights within the country.
As Nicaragua navigates this complex juncture, the international community remains watchful, urging the government to uphold the principles of democracy and respect for fundamental rights.
