Nicaragua: 7 Catholic Priests Arrested
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Amid intensifying persecution against Christians in Nicaragua by the ruling post-communist dictatorial regime, seven Nicaraguan Catholic priests were arrested and sent to Rome, Italy in exile earlier this month, CBN News reports.
Led by paranoid dictator President Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua ranks 30 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. The US Department of State has listed Nicaragua as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the Ortega regime’s human rights and religious freedoms violations.
The seven newly exiled priests were among clergy members arrested by the National Police in the Diocese of Matagalpa, led by Bishop Rolando Álvarez who has publicly criticized Ortega and has himself been exiled. The priests were first detained under house arrest and then were sent to Rome on August 7.
Those seven exiled priests are Father René Vega Matamoros, Edgard Sacasa, who led the Diocese of Matagalpa after Álvarez was exiled, Father Marlon Velázquez, Father Jairo Pravia, Vicar Víctor Godoy of the Immaculate Conception of María de Sebáco Church, Franciscan Friar Silvio José Romero, and Father Harvin Tórrez, rector of the Matagalpa seminary, CBN News reports.
In a statement about the situation facing Catholic clergy in Nicaragua, the Pontifical Mission Societies USA said: “In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to unite in prayer for the Church in Nicaragua, Let us pray for the safety and strength of the priests, deacons, and all members of the clergy who are courageously upholding their faith amidst persecution. Our prayers can offer them solace and support, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle.”
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