Nine priests were ordained in a ceremony led by Cardinal Archbishop Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano at the Managua Cathedral on Saturday, January 6, amid a wave of arrests targeting the Church in Nicaragua. The solemn event on the Epiphany was attended by many faithful who witnessed the ordination despite challenging times for the religious community.

Cardinal Brenes, in his homily, emphasized the priesthood as a "mission and service" rather than a source of power. He highlighted the role of priests as "servants" and "witnesses," emphasizing the importance of living in communion and fraternity.

However, the joyous occasion unfolded against a backdrop of adversity. Since December 20, at least 14 priests, two seminarians, and Bishop Isidoro del Carmen Mora Ortega of Siuna have been arrested. Bishop Mora was abducted following prayers for Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, who has been imprisoned since February without a fair trial.

The Church community is particularly concerned about the well-being of the detained priests, including Fr Ismael Serrano and Fr Gerardo Rodrígues, both facing health issues and in need of medical care.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a renewed appeal to the Nicaraguan government to disclose the whereabouts of Bishop Mora, who has been a victim of "enforced disappearance" for 16 days. The UN emphasizes that withholding this information jeopardizes Bishop Mora's life.

The UN High Commissioner previously condemned the enforced disappearance of Bishop Mora and the arrests of religious figures, citing violations of the right to religious freedom—the foundation of a democratic state. Nicaragua is accused of moving further away from the rule of law and fundamental freedoms by persecuting political leaders, indigenous groups, Catholic clergy, activists, and journalists.

Pope Francis expressed deep concern for Nicaragua during his Angelus on January 1, extending his prayers to the detained bishops, priests, and their families. He urged everyone to pray persistently and emphasized the importance of seeking dialogue to overcome difficulties.

Despite reports of missing clergymen, Nicaraguan authorities have neither confirmed nor denied their detention, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.