The Ortega dictatorship is once again lashing out against Nicaraguan bishops. According to the local press, the president of the country's episcopate was banished to Guatemala on November 13.
Media reports indicate that it was for making a public complaint against the local government of his diocese, in which he complained about noisy events organized by the city council and held during liturgical celebrations.
There are now four bishops in exile. One is the auxiliary of Managua, who had to flee the country after receiving death threats.
MSGR. SILVIO BÁEZ
Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Nicaragua
Pope Francis, at the beginning of 2019, asked me to leave the country for a period of time, to protect my own life. He asked me to go to Rome, with no specific mission in mind, simply out of a desire to protect my life. I remember something he said to me. 'I don't want another bishop martyr in Latin America.'
In January 2024, two bishops arrived at the Vatican through the mediation of the Holy See.
Of the nine prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua, only five now remain in the country, among them Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes.
TR: JD
