Pope Leo XIV Receives Report on Persecution of Christians in Nicaragua

Pope Leo XIV recently obtained a copy of “Nicaragua: The Persecuted Church,” a comprehensive report detailing numerous instances of Christian persecution in Nicaragua by the government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo since 2018. This report, which spans over 400 pages, was highlighted by various Catholic news outlets.

The report, which is the seventh edition, features extensive research led by exiled Nicaraguan lawyer and activist Martha Patricia Molina. It documents 1,010 distinct attacks on Catholic churches in Nicaragua and indicates that more than 16,500 religious events have been prohibited by the regime, illustrating a broader crackdown on religious expression since peaceful anti-communist demonstrations began in April 2018.

At a conference on migration and refugees at the Vatican, Nicaraguan activist Muriel Sáenz personally handed the report to Pope Leo XIV. Molina expressed her appreciation for this gesture, emphasizing the need for the Holy See to acknowledge ongoing repression and the importance of documentation.

Sáenz noted, “We hope that Pope Leo will continue to advocate for the Nicaraguan people and publicly condemn the Ortega regime. Silence will only empower those who commit these crimes.” She added her desire to raise global awareness about the situation in Nicaragua, where those in power are said to disregard the will of the people.

She also mentioned the harsh realities faced by dissenters, stating, “If we don’t meet their unreasonable demands, we may be imprisoned in terrible conditions, facing degrading treatment and torture. This includes both clergy and laypersons.” According to Sáenz, if the regime were to depart, over a million Nicaraguans in exile would return immediately.

Though their encounter was brief—lasting only 13 seconds—it held personal significance for Sáenz. She told the Pope, “I am Nicaraguan and brought you a study authored by my friend Marta Patricia Molina.” Along with the report, she also presented a letter and a cup of coffee. She chose not to alter the letter’s content, prioritizing the voice of the victims over her own.

During her trip to Rome, several exiled Catholic priests had private meetings with Sáenz. She expressed hope to connect with Bishop Rolando Álvarez, a prominent critic of Ortega, upon his return to the Vatican.

Bishop Álvarez, expelled by Ortega in January 2024 after more than 500 days in prison, remains a notable figure in the ongoing persecution against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua. His situation has drawn international attention due to severe violations of his rights, including the stripping away of his citizenship by the regime.

Reports indicate that Pope Leo XIV had previously met with exiled Nicaraguan bishops. Bishop Silvio Báez, for instance, was forced into exile due to threats to his life. During their discussions, Baez received encouragement from the Pope to persist in his ministry, further highlighting the challenges faced by church leaders in Nicaragua.

Ortega, who claims to be Catholic, has spearheaded a campaign of violence against the Catholic Church in response to its support for protests against him starting in 2018. The situation has escalated dramatically since 2022, when Ortega declared a “war” on the Vatican, citing its role in opposition movements.

The regime’s actions have led to the imprisonment and expulsion of several church members and increasing bans on religious gatherings. Additionally, many Catholic churches and institutions have been forcibly closed and their assets seized, further exemplifying the government’s oppression.