Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, the bishop of Matagalpa, recently held his first public Mass in Seville, Spain, following his banishment from Nicaragua by the regime of President Daniel Ortega. This Mass was particularly significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Matagalpa diocese. In his homily, Álvarez expressed his devotion to Nicaragua, invoking prayers for the country amid the continuous persecution faced by the Catholic Church under Ortega’s rule. Since his vocal criticism of the regime and its policies, Álvarez has been a target, leading to his imprisonment in August 2022 and subsequent sentencing on dubious charges of “treason.”
Álvarez’s tenure as bishop began in 2011, making him the ninth bishop of the diocese since its establishment in 1924. His imprisonment lasted over 500 days and culminated in his exile to the Vatican in January 2023, where he had been in a limited capacity until his public appearance in Spain. During the Mass, he highlighted a letter from Pope Francis, encouraging Nicaraguans to maintain faith during trials, emphasizing trust in divine guidance amidst oppressive circumstances.
The bishop offered his pectoral cross to Our Lady of Sorrows, symbolizing his gratitude for the centennial anniversary of the diocese and a message to his congregation. He communicated to the faithful that even from afar, his prayers remained with them in Matagalpa. Nevertheless, the celebrations in Nicaragua, in honor of their diocese’s 100th year, were sorely diminished due to the prevailing climate of repression and surveillance imposed by Ortega’s government, which has restricted religious expressions and activities.
The Ortega administration has instigated a comprehensive campaign against the Catholic Church, driven by a historical conflict that intensified following the pro-democracy protests in 2018. The regime’s actions include imprisoning and torturing priests, shutting down Catholic media, and seizing church property. This harsh environment has curtailed many church-led events, with authorities requiring prior police approval for any religious gathering, which has stifled the exercise of faith in Nicaragua.
Álvarez’s banishment serves as part of a broader pattern of persecution against religious leaders in Nicaragua. In recent months, the Ortega regime has expelled additional bishops, notably Monsignor Isidoro del Carmen Mora and Monsignor Carlos Herrera, for similar reasons linked to their public stances against governmental actions. This trend reflects Ortega’s apparent “war” against Catholicism, as he attempts to weaken church influence amid its support for political reforms and democracy.
In summary, the recent public Mass by Monsignor Rolando Álvarez not only symbolizes the resilience of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua but also highlights the ongoing turmoil faced by religious figures under the Ortega regime. The centennial anniversary of the Matagalpa diocese was both a celebration of its rich history and a poignant reminder of the repression that has enveloped its leaders and adherents. Through these incidents, the church’s enduring commitment to faith and justice stands in stark contrast to the methods of the Nicaraguan government, suggesting a continuing struggle for freedom of expression and belief.
