In recent years, the Catholic Church in Nicaragua has faced persecution. Over the past two years, approximately 50 priests have been arrested and persecuted, including the bishop of Managua, Rolando Álvarez, a known critic of President Daniel Ortega. Several Catholic media agencies have been shut down, and police harassment of Catholic priests has become frequent and widespread. The Nicaraguan government has banned the Society of Jesus, confiscated their property, and severed relations with the Holy See.
Due to the situation in the country, Pope Francis has publicly expressed concern for religious freedom in Nicaragua. On December 2 of this year, he wrote a letter of consolation to the people of Nicaragua, urging them to hold on to hope:
“For some time I have wanted to write you a pastoral letter to reiterate once again the affection I profess for the Nicaraguan people, who have always distinguished themselves by their extraordinary love for God, whom you so affectionately call Papachú. I am with you, especially in these days when you are celebrating the Novena of the Immaculate Conception. Do not forget the loving Providence of the Lord, who accompanies us and is the only sure guide. Precisely in the most difficult moments, when it becomes humanly imposible to understand what God wants from us, we are called not to doubt His care and mercy. The filial trust you have in Him and also your fidelity to the Church are the two great beacons that illuminate your existence. Be certain that faith and hope work miracles.”
He called on the faithful to find a model of faith and hope in the Virgin Mary, whose upcoming Feast of the Immaculate Conception is deeply revered in the country.:
“Let us look to the Immaculate Virgin: she is the luminous witness of this confidence. You have always experienced her maternal protection in all your needs and have shown your gratitude with a very beautiful and spiritually rich religiosity. One of these forms of dedication and consecration that manifests the joy of being her favorite children is the sweet expression: What brings such joy? The Conception of Mary!”
Pope Francis placed the faithful under the protection of the Immaculate Conception and concluded the letter with a prayer for hope and peace.
