The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua reported that it had exiled Rolando Álvarez and 18 other religious figures from the country. According to the regime, they were sent to Rome under an agreement with the Vatican.
The Government of Nicaragua said that the religious traveled after reaching agreements with the Holy See to improve understanding with the authorities of the Catholic Church.
"They have already been received by Vatican authorities, in compliance with Agreements of Good Faith and Good Will, which seek to promote understanding and improve communication between the Holy See and Nicaragua, for peace and good," said Ortega's Executive in a statement reviewed by AFP.
The dictatorship also thanked Pope Francis and the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, along with his work team for the "very respectful and discreet coordination carried out."
Álvarez, 57, who had previously opted for prison rather than exile, was arrested in August 2022. In February of last year he was sentenced to 26 years. On multiple occasions, both the United States and international human rights organizations pushed for his release.
"We continue to call for the restoration of freedoms in Nicaragua"
Likewise, it was learned that among those released were also Bishop Isidoro Mora, 53, and more than a dozen priests detained in December.
Meanwhile, the United States celebrated Álvarez's release and insisted that all citizens have the right to worship. He also called for the release of all political prisoners and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua.
"Ortega-Murillo today expelled 19 unjustly detained Catholic clerics, including Bishop Álvarez. We are reassured to see the release of these religious leaders. All people have the right to worship at home and abroad. We continue to call for the release of all those unjustly detained and the restoration of the fundamental freedoms of the Nicaraguan people," Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Brian Nichols wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Ortega-Murillo expulsaron hoy a 19 clérigos católicos injustamente detenidos, incluyendo al Obispo Álvarez. Nos tranquiliza ver la liberación de estos líderes religiosos. Todas las personas tienen derecho al culto en casa y en el extranjero. Continuamos llamando a la liberación…
— Brian A. Nichols (@WHAAsstSecty) January 14, 2024
