Pope expresses closeness to Nicaragua’s bishop at odds with Ortega regime

Pope Francis has spoken out about the situation in Nicaragua, where the Church is facing trouble with the regime of Daniel Ortega.

After the midday Angelus this February 12, he said:

The news from Nicaragua has saddened me a great deal, and I cannot but remember with concern Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, whom I care about greatly, sentenced to 26 years imprisonment, and also those who have been deported to the United States.

I pray for them and for all those who are suffering in that dear nation, and I ask for your prayers.

Let us also ask the Lord, by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, to open the hearts of political leaders and all citizens to the sincere search for peace, which is born of truth, justice, freedom and love, and which is achieved through the patient pursuit of dialogue.

Let us pray together to Our Lady. [Hail Mary]

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