Pope Francis has voiced his apprehension over the situation in Nicaragua, where a number of Catholic priests, including a bishop, have been detained in the past week. During the Angelus on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Pope shared his deep concern, emphasizing that bishops and priests have been unjustly deprived of their freedom in the Latin American nation.

Expressing solidarity in prayer, Pope Francis extended his support to the detained clergy, their families, and the entire Church in Nicaragua. He urged the global community of believers to join in "insistent prayer" for the troubled nation and encouraged a commitment to seeking dialogue as a means to overcome challenges.

The current crisis in Nicaragua has seen the arrest of at least 14 priests, one bishop, and two seminarians by the authorities. The arrest of Bishop Isidoro del Carmen Mora Ortega of the Diocese of Siuna on December 20th, following his public prayers for Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos of Matagalpa, has raised particular concern.

Bishop Álvarez himself had been sentenced to 26 years in prison earlier in the year on charges including conspiracy, spreading false news, obstructing justice, and insulting authorities.

Adding his voice to the plea for unity and solace, Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano, the Archbishop of Managua, celebrated Mass in his Cathedral on Saturday. In his address, Cardinal Brenes expressed closeness "to the families and communities that, in this moment, feel the lack of their priests." He called for Church unity, citing it as a source of strength, and invoked the presence of Mary at the foot of the Cross, praying for the Lord's consolation and mercy.

As concerns escalate over the fate of the detained clergy and the broader challenges facing Nicaragua, Pope Francis, along with the Catholic Church, remains committed to advocating for peace, dialogue, and justice in the troubled nation.