St. John Paul II, during his first apostolic journey to Nicaragua in 1983, proclaimed:

“The Church is the first one who wants peace.”

In 1979, the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua began to govern the country after the downfall of the dictatorship of Anastasio “Tachito” Somoza. Since the moment the Sandinista government assumed power, led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, the Catholic Church in Nicaragua has experienced relentless, violent religious persecution that affects all bishops and clergy.

We advocate for peace

The dictatorial regime, ranging from harassment and intimidation of clergy members to the outright closure and desecration of churches, represent a profound infringement on religious freedom and the faithful’s right to worship. This crackdown not only violates the fundamental principles of human dignity and freedom of religion but also deepens the divide in a nation rich in faith and tradition. As a Catholic website, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, advocating for peace, dialogue, and the restoration of respect for religious liberties, urging our readers to keep the Nicaraguan Church in their prayers and to support efforts aimed at alleviating this crisis.

Silvio Jose Baez, Rolando Jose Alvarez, and Isidro Mora are the three Nicaraguan bishops who were exiled by the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship.

PRAYER FOR NICARAGUA
from Free the Bishops podcast

Heavenly Father,
We come before you with heavy hearts,
Seeking your grace and mercy
For our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua.

Lord, look upon your Church,
Which faces persecution and fear,
Grant strength to the clergy,
Courage to the faithful,
And protection to those who are vulnerable.

Mater Purissima, Maria de Nicaragua,
Wrap your mantle around the Church in Nicaragua,
Embrace its people with your love,
Console the afflicted,
And intercede for those who suffer.

Guide the leaders to seek justice,
And inspire compassion in the hearts of all.

St. Michael the Archangel,
Defender of the faith,
Guard and protect the Church
Against the forces of oppression.

We place our trust in you, God our Father,
Confident that your love
Will guide Nicaragua to a future
Filled with justice, compassion, and faith.

May the light of Christ
Illuminate the darkness of fear,
And may the Holy Spirit
Inspire unity, peace, and freedom.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.