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Nicaragua's government has issued a strong statement against the Vatican, labeling it as "depraved" following remarks made by exiled Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa. The bishop, in interviews, confirmed that Pope Francis wishes for him to continue leading two Nicaraguan dioceses from abroad.
The Nicaraguan foreign ministry's statement on February 8 criticized the Vatican for using its platforms to broadcast messages perceived as offensive to Nicaragua's sovereignty and dignity. It described Bishop Álvarez’s comments as “irresponsible and disrespectful,” claiming they violate the laws governing Nicaragua.
Bishop Álvarez spoke to the media recently after his January 2024 expulsion from Nicaragua, which followed over 500 days of detention. In an interview with Paola Arriaza of EWTN News on February 6, he shared that prayer sustained him during his ordeal. “I always thought and believed in my freedom...what sustained me was prayer,” he said.
Álvarez has become a symbol of religious persecution in Nicaragua under President Daniel Ortega's regime, which has clamped down on dissent since protests erupted in 2018. The bishop was convicted on dubious charges and sentenced to prison but was eventually expelled along with other church figures in January 2024.
In Rome, Álvarez expressed gratitude towards God and Pope Francis for allowing him to remain the bishop of Matagalpa despite being abroad. He remarked that he considers himself "liberated," not exiled.
The Nicaraguan regime reacted sharply to Álvarez’s statements about retaining his ecclesiastical roles while outside the country. The government accused the Vatican of assigning powers improperly within Nicaragua and stripping citizenship from those like Bishop Álvarez who were sent into exile.
Pope Francis has shown support for Bishop Álvarez, expressing solidarity with Nicaraguans during their celebration of the Immaculate Conception last December. The bishop recalled a moment with Pope Francis when they bonded over prayer during a visit amid political unrest in 2018.
Bishop Álvarez emphasized hope amidst adversity, referencing an April 2023 pastoral letter from Pope Francis urging trust in divine providence even when circumstances are unclear or challenging.
David Agren reports for OSV News from Rio de Janeiro.
