Through a statement issued on March 15, the relatives of political prisoners lamented the expulsion of the apostolic nuncio Waldemar Stanisław Sommertag by the Daniel Ortega regime. They assure that this unilateral decision “does not represent our feelings as devout and respectful people.”
In the document, they thank Pope Francis’s envoy for “the humanitarian work that HE Mons. Sommertag carried out in our country during his stay and particularly all the efforts in favor of respect and the release of political prisoners until today” .
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At the same time, they point out that “they look forward, hope and unwavering faith that on the day of resurrection with the help of God, they will embrace their unjustly imprisoned relatives in freedom and see a tomorrow of peace and justice in Nicaragua and in the world.” The letter addressed as a way of thanking the nuncio was signed by relatives of prisoners from El Chipote, the April Victims Organization (OVA) and the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners.
The Vatican decided to break the silence on the expulsion of its ambassador to Nicaragua after a week of his departure, affirming that the Holy See received “with surprise and pain the communication that the Government of Nicaragua has decided to withdraw the approval. Apostolic Nuncio in Managua since 2018, forcing him to leave the country immediately after notifying him of that measure.
“Such disposition is incomprehensible since, during his mission, HE Bishop Sommertag has worked tirelessly for the good of the Church and the Nicaraguan people, especially the most vulnerable, always seeking to favor good relations between the Apostolic See and the authorities of Nicaragua,” the Vatican-led statement continued.
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They reiterate their support for the mediation efforts carried out by the apostolic nuncio during the second national dialogue held at INCAE in 2019 and his intercession work in favor of political prisoners, being the first time that a Holy See document refers to this way to opponents detained by the Managua regime.
“His participation as a witness and companion of the National Dialogue Table between the Government and the political opposition deserves particular mention, in view of the national reconciliation and the release of political prisoners,” the document said.
The relatives of the detained opponents request that Pope Francis “raise his prayers for the suffering cry of our people and grant us his continuous accompaniment. We humbly send our prayers to His Holiness, Pope Francis, that he may enjoy good physical and spiritual health, and that his plea for world peace may be heard.”
