Pope Francis gave an interview to the Argentinean news portal Infobae. When asked about the situation in Nicaragua, he said that the only explanation he found for the oppression is 'an instability' in the person leading it. In this case, Daniel Ortega.
The Pope was saddened by the imprisonment of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, whom he defined as someone 'very serious and very capable.' And he praised the bishop's witness. After the Angelus a few weeks ago, the Pope expressed his personal admiration for Bishop Álvarez.
POPE FRANCIS
The news coming from Nicaragua has saddened me greatly, and I cannot fail to mention my concern for the Bishop of Matagalpa, Rolando Álvarez, whom I love so much.
Pope Francis said that what is happening in Nicaragua resembles 'the communist dictatorship of 1917 or the Hitlerian dictatorship of 1935'—two regimes he described as 'gross.'
In the interview, the Pope also spoke of the steps the Vatican is taking to incorporate more women into positions of responsibility. He praised the skills they bring to the Holy See. He believes 'they have a different sense of time and patience from men.' Just this week, on International Women's Day, he mentioned their unique talents.
POPE FRANCIS
I thank them for their commitment to building a more humane society through their ability to grasp reality with a creative gaze and tender heart. This is a privilege unique to women.
He also stated that 'a priest who does not know how to work with women is immature' and that the Vatican is working hard to develop a more inclusive culture.
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TR: KG
