In a pastoral letter addressed to the Nicaraguan people and published on December 2, 2024, Pope Francis reiterated his affection and closeness to the faithful of a Church marked by persecution and repression under the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. In a context where faith faces constant attacks, the Holy Father urged Nicaraguans not to lose their trust in God or in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, especially during the Novena of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this country.
“I am with you, especially during these days as you pray the Novena of the Immaculate Conception. Do not forget the loving Providence of the Lord, who accompanies us and is the only sure guide,” wrote the Pope. He also emphasized the importance of the Rosary as a source of spiritual strength, describing it as “a powerful prayer” that connects the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary to the personal realities of the faithful.
The Pope’s letter, released during the novena to the patroness of Nicaragua, comes as The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS) have learned of the Ortega-Murillo government’s threats to forcibly exile religious sisters. These threats target all congregations of nuns in Nicaragua, whose legal status has been revoked, forcing them to seek refuge in other countries to continue their pastoral work. This measure aligns with the regime’s illegal policy of confiscating private property.
“Mary of Nicaragua, Nicaragua of Mary”
In his letter, the Pope concluded with a message of trust in the Immaculate Virgin, recalling an expression deeply rooted in Nicaraguan spirituality: “Mary of Nicaragua, Nicaragua of Mary.” This cry of consecration reflects the people’s commitment to their faith and Catholic identity, which even the regime’s repressive measures have failed to extinguish.
Despite the difficult situation, the Church in Nicaragua continues to be a living testament to resistance and fidelity, a community that, as the Holy Father reminded, finds its strength in Christ and the Virgin Mary.
A Martyred Church
In an interview with TPMS in November, Cardinal Baltazar Porras described the Church in Nicaragua as “a martyred Church.” His testimony echoes the words of Monsignor José Antonio Canales, Bishop of the Diocese of Danlí in Honduras, who denounced the Sandinista regime’s efforts to implement a model of Church control similar to that of China, where the state appoints bishops and directly supervises religious institutions. “They want a Church that is subordinated to them, submissive, disconnected from Christ and the successor of Peter,” said Monsignor Canales in statements to 100% Noticias. He added that such a model, far from strengthening the government, “has even failed for the Chinese government itself.”
In Nicaragua, this intention seems to be confirmed by the constitutional reform introduced by Ortega, particularly Article 14, which prohibits any “foreign control” over religious organizations. Although the text declares that the state ensures freedom of worship, it imposes restrictions that allow the government to regulate religious activities under the guise of maintaining public order. Church sources consulted by TPMS warned that this measure could enable the regime to appoint loyal bishops, further disconnecting the Nicaraguan Church from its communion with the Vatican.
The Weight of Exile and the Strength of Resistance
The persecution has driven four of Nicaragua’s nine bishops into exile, while the remaining five operate under strict surveillance. Monsignor Carlos Enrique Herrera, president of the Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference, was recently expelled after denouncing sacrilegious acts by a Sandinista official. According to the NGO Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más, the Catholic Church is enduring “the worst repression in its history.”
However, the people’s faith remains a beacon of hope, as highlighted by Pope Francis in his letter: “The filial trust you place in Him and your fidelity to the Church are two great beacons that illuminate your lives. Be certain that faith and hope work miracles.” These words offer encouragement to Nicaraguans who, even in the most adverse circumstances, continue to profess their faith with courage.
You can join Pope Francis and the people of Nicaragua in praying a novena to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, whose feast day we will celebrate Dec. 8th. You can download the assets to pray the novena here:
