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Pope Francis has conveyed his solidarity with the people of Nicaragua amid increasing political tensions in the country. In a letter, he expressed his "affection" for Nicaraguans, acknowledging their "extraordinary love for God," whom they call "Papachú." The Pope's message comes as Central American bishops have designated December 8 as a day of prayer for Nicaragua, coinciding with the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The Episcopal Secretariat of Central America called for this day of prayer in response to constitutional changes that threaten to deepen Nicaragua's authoritarian regime and affect its relationship with the Vatican. These changes include granting President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo extensive powers and introducing measures that could marginalize religious institutions.
The Nicaraguan tradition known as “la gritería” will be part of these celebrations, where people express their Marian devotion by shouting phrases like “Who is it that brings this joy?” The response is, “The conception of Mary,” which Pope Francis highlighted in his letter.
In light of recent restrictions on religious processions by the ruling Sandinista regime, parishes have confined La Purísima celebrations to church properties. This comes amid broader constitutional revisions that propose significant shifts in governance and potentially create a rift between the Nicaraguan Catholic Church and the Vatican.
Martha Patricia Molina, an exiled lawyer monitoring church repression, voiced concerns over these constitutional amendments affecting religious freedom. She noted that new provisions could sever ties between the Pope and the Nicaraguan Church while empowering authorities to view external ecclesiastical opinions as hostile acts.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis urged Nicaraguans to maintain faith and hope. He stated: “Be certain that faith and hope work miracles. Let us look to the Immaculate Virgin; she is the luminous witness of this trust.” He encouraged them to pray during difficult times and shared a special prayer he composed for the Jubilee Year.
David Agren reported from Buenos Aires for OSV News.
