On Sunday, August 25, Pope Francis raised his voice in prayer for the people of Nicaragua, where the Catholic Church and other independent organizations are facing intense persecution under the repressive regime of President Daniel Ortega.
Pope Francis offered a poignant message to the Nicaraguan faithful after the midday prayer: “To the beloved people of Nicaragua, I encourage you to renew your hope in Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit always guides history to higher purposes.”
His words were a call to persevere, and a reminder of the divine guidance that continues to work even in the darkest of times.
The Pope’s message came at a critical time when the Church in Nicaragua is facing unprecedented challenges. In recent years, the Ortega government has systematically targeted Catholic institutions, clergy and laity. The government has expelled nuns, seized church property, closed Catholic media, and imprisoned or exiled numerous priests and bishops. To this long list was recently added the revocation of the legal status of more than 25 Catholic organizations, further tightening the regime’s grip on religious and civil society.
The closures, announced on August 19, were part of a broader campaign against non-governmental organizations in Nicaragua. Among the 1,500 groups targeted were several Catholic institutions that play a vital role in assisting the country’s most vulnerable communities. The government’s actions stripped these organizations of their ability to provide essential services such as food, education, and spiritual care. Religious orders such as the Franciscans, Carmelites, Augustinians, and Trappists, as well as diocesan Caritas chapters and lay Catholic groups, have all been affected.
Pope Francis invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and entrusted Nicaragua to her protection. “May the Immaculate Virgin protect you in times of trial and make you feel her maternal tenderness,” he said. The Pope’s prayer is a clear reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of the Church, especially in the face of persecution.
As Nicaragua faces these trials, the global Catholic community is called to unite in prayer and solidarity.
