By David Agren OSV News CUERNAVACA, Mexico — Catholics turned out in large numbers to celebrate Holy Week in Nicaragua. But the ruling Sandinista regime prohibited public exhibitions of faith — such as processions and reenactments of the passion of Christ — as it continued exercising control over religious activities in what’s becoming an increasingly […]
Christmas crackdown continues in Nicaragua
By David Agren OSV News BUENOS AIRES — Six lay staff members from a now-closed diocesan Cáritas chapter were convicted on money laundering charges in Nicaragua on Christmas Eve as the Sandinista regime stepped up its crackdown on the Catholic Church over the Christmas season. The Nicaraguan government has also forbidden the enactment of […]
Nicaragua claims imprisoned bishop receives ‘preferential’ treatment
By David Agren OSV News BUENOS AIRES — The Nicaraguan government has released a series of photos and videos of imprisoned Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa — purportedly as proof of him receiving preferential treatment — but sparking alarm over the prelate’s emaciated appearance and indignation over his continued incarceration in one of the […]
Vatican confirms it will take Nicaraguan priests released from prison
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has confirmed that it has been asked and has agreed to receive 12 priests who had been detained in Nicaragua. “The Holy See has agreed; they will be received by an official of the Secretariat of State in the afternoon (Oct. 19) and housed […]
Bishop charged with conspiracy to undermine Nicaragua, spread false news
By Catholic News Service MANAGUA, Nicaragua — A Nicaraguan bishop held for nearly four months was formally charged during an unannounced Dec. 13 court date, marking his first appearance since being detained. Bishop Rolando Álvarez Lagos of Matagalpa was accused of conspiracy to undermine the country and propagate false news, according to a statement from […]
Nicaraguan police continue harassment of Catholics
By David Agren Catholic News Service Following the arrest of a bishop and 11 others, police continued harassing Nicaraguan Catholics, even as Pope Francis called for “open and sincere” dialogue in the Central American country. Photos posted to social media showed police and paramilitaries surrounding St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Masaya, Nicaragua, Aug. 21 […]
Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity kicked out of Nicaragua
By David Agren Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY — The Missionaries of Charity have been expelled from Nicaragua, the latest in a series of attacks on the Catholic Church and its ministries from the Central American country’s increasingly repressive government. The order of sisters — founded by St. Teresa of Kolkata, known popularly as Mother […]