Vatican City: The bishops of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have united to declare a day of prayer, expressing profound solidarity with the Church and people of Nicaragua amid their ongoing struggles. The initiative was announced during the 82nd Assembly of the Episcopal Secretariat of Central America.

In their statement, titled "Central American Day of Prayer for the Church in Nicaragua: 'We Cry Out with Nicaragua,'" the bishops urged dioceses, parishes, vicariates, and faith communities across Central America to organize special prayers. The effort aims to convey a sense of unity and support for those enduring religious persecution in Nicaragua.

The chosen date, December 8, coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day deeply cherished across Central America and especially in Nicaragua, where the tradition of la gritería honors the Virgin Mary. As the patroness of Nicaragua, the Virgin Mary holds a central place in the country’s Catholic faith, making this feast day a fitting moment to offer prayers for peace and resolution.

The bishops emphasized their intention to “fraternally join” the cry of the Nicaraguan Church, which “respectfully hopes to find an answer” to its plight.

This call comes amidst a turbulent period for the Nicaraguan Church under President Daniel Ortega’s regime, marked by the expulsion of over 200 religious leaders and the imprisonment of clergy, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez. Most recently, Bishop Carlos Herrera of Jinotega, president of the Nicaraguan Bishops’ Conference, was exiled—becoming the third bishop expelled from the country within a year.

The bishops’ invitation extends to all believers, urging them to stand in prayerful solidarity with the faithful in Nicaragua, offering both hope and a reminder that they are not alone.