The Latin American Episcopal Council (Celam) will begin its regional assembly for Central America and Mexico with a mass in prayer for the freedom of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez and all the political prisoners in Nicaragua, which will take place this Monday, February 13, in the Cathedral of San Salvador. , where the remains of San Óscar Arnulfo Romero, bishop and martyr for love of the poor and the Church, are found.
The president of Celam and archbishop of Trujillo, Peru, Monsignor Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, expressed his solidarity, closeness and prayer with and for the people of God and their pastors, “in these moments of trial and detriment of the rights of our brothers and sisters of the Church of Nicaragua”.
As an expression of “the solidarity and sensitive fraternity of our Latin American and Caribbean Church with those who are unjustly deprived of their liberty in Nicaragua, including Monsignor Rolando Álvarez and several priests, we will offer for their intentions and prompt release the opening Eucharist of the Assembly Region of Central America-Mexico of the Continental Phase of the Synod,” said Celam.
“May the Virgin of La Purísima, patroness of Nicaraguans, intercede for our brothers and sisters, and keep them firm in hope, remembering the promise of her Son: ‘If you remain faithful to my word, you will be my true disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.’ We are with you!” the bishops conclude.
Bishop convicted and without nationality
The pronouncement of Celam occurs after Monsignor Álvarez, bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa and apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Estelí, was sentenced by the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo to 26 years in prison and after 222 political prisoners were released and exiled from Nicaragua.
The sentence against Álvarez was announced this Friday, February 10, one day after the prelate refused to board a plane that would transfer him to the United States along with 222 other political prisoners who were exiled.
The regime also ordered the religious leader to be stripped of his nationality. —after declaring him a “traitor to the homeland”—, just as he did with the political prisoners released into exile on Thursday, February 9.
Pope Francis regretted this Sunday the prison sentence of Monsignor Álvarez and encouraged political leaders to “sincerely seek” peace in Nicaragua.
“The news coming from Nicaragua has hurt me a little, and I cannot help but remember with concern the Bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, whom I love very much, sentenced to 26 years in prison and also the people who have been deported to United States,” said the pontiff after the sunday angelus.
The pontiff, leaning out of the window of the Apostolic Palace, said he was praying for them and “for all those who suffer in that beloved nation” and asked for the prayers of the faithful who were listening to him from Saint Peter’s Square.
“Let us also ask the Lord for the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary so that she may open the hearts of political leaders and all citizens to the sincere search for peace, which is born of truth, justice, freedom and love. “, he claimed.
“And it is achieved through the patient exercise of dialogue,” Francisco pointed out.
Along the same lines, the Permanent Committee of the Chilean Episcopate repudiated the sentence of 26 years in prison imposed on Monsignor Álvarez and assured that with this the regime led by Ortega adds a new violation of human rights.
