Nicaraguan bishop under de facto detainment

Bishop Rolando Alvarez of the Diocese of Matagalpa has been prevented from leaving his offices by police since 4 August.

By ACN Staff

Bishop Rolando Alvarez. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

On 4 August, the feast of St. John Vianney, Bishop Rolando Alvarez and six of his priests were prevented from leaving diocesan offices to preside over the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the local cathedral by the police. The incident was captured on video, and images of the bishop on his knees with his hands in the air were posted on social media. Another video showed the bishop holding a monstrance with the Eucharist while being blocked by the police.

Bishop Rolando Alvarez knelling in front of the police.

The situation in Nicaragua has steadily been getting worse and worse over the years as the government has become increasingly authoritarian. The Church has also come under pressure from the government, with recently the authorities shutting down Catholic radio stations and expelling the Missionaries of Charity. Before this, the government had also expelled the Apostolic Nuncio. On top of this, since 2018, there have been nearly 200 documented attacks against the Catholic Church, particularly against Church property.

Bishop Rolando had previously criticised these government restrictions placed on the Church. The bishop had been an active coordinator for Catholic radio stations in Nicaragua. It is believed that the radio stations were specifically targeted because of their criticism of President Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who is the vice president.

The bishop has still not been able to leave the diocesan premises. He has received support from other Nicaraguan bishops and, indeed, from bishops all over Latin America. Bishop Rolando has been able to communicate with the faithful through live streams. He has thanked everyone for their prayers and support and has said that he trusts that Our Lady will intercede on his behalf. Please join us in prayer that Bishop Rolando may soon be able to enjoy freedom again.