The pontiff insists on “respectful diplomatic dialogue” with the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship.
HAVANA TIMES – Pope Francis once again expressed deep concern about the prolonged socio-political crisis in Nicaragua and the painful consequences it has left on society, particularly on the Catholic Church, which, as of January, has accumulated 203 persecuted, exiled, or imprisoned clergy and other religious people by the dictatorship.
“The situation in Nicaragua continues to be worrisome; it is a crisis that has been going on for a long time with painful consequences for the entire Nicaraguan society, particularly for the Catholic Church,” said the pontiff on Monday January 8, in his speech to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
He also reiterated his invitation to the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo for a “respectful diplomatic dialogue,” as he has been doing since early 2023.
“The Holy See continues to invite for a diplomatic dialogue respectful of the well-being of Catholics and the entire population,” he emphasized.
This is the second time in 2024 that Pope Francis has commented on the situation in Nicaragua. On New Years day, he expressed “concern” about the detention of Catholic priests in Nicaragua and urged that “the path of dialogue always be sought” to overcome problems.
Calls for Greater Commitment to Humanitarian Rights
The pontiff also called today for “greater commitment from the international community” to humanitarian rights at a time when there is “no distinction between military and civilian targets,” and noting how conflicts “indiscriminatel
