Skip to content

Pope Francis’ Letter to Nicaraguan Catholics is ‘Balm for our Spirit,’ Exiles Say

Catholics exiled from Nicaragua are expressing their gratitude for the recent letter of encouragement Pope Francis sent to the persecuted Church in the Central American country. 

Catholics exiled from Nicaragua are expressing their gratitude for the recent letter of encouragement Pope Francis sent to the persecuted Church in the Central American country.  

“In the midst of this wave of repression and religious persecution unprecedented in our history, his words of encouragement are a balm for our spirit and a reminder of the transforming power of faith and hope,” said Félix Maradiaga in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.

Maradiaga, a former presidential candidate and former political prisoner, added that “the Holy Father’s closeness to us as a pastor reaffirms our trust in divine providence, even when we face trials and challenges that seem insurmountable.”

For Martha Patricia Molina, a researcher whose reports have documented hundreds of attacks by the Nicaraguan dictatorship against the Catholic Church in the country in recent years, Pope Francis’ letter shows that “he follows up and pays attention to the serious situation facing Nicaragua.”

“At this time, anything written by the Nicaraguan Bishops’ Conference would be a reason for the Sandinista dictatorship to continue deporting bishops, and Pope Francis knows that,” Molina said. “I feel that’s why he sent us this beautiful message.”

“Our people are Marian, and during these days we are praying the novena to the Immaculate Conception. Receiving this pastoral letter from Pope Francis during this special time is a gift from God,” she added.

Industrial mechanic Pedro Gutiérrez, who was deported to Guatemala in September, told the Spanish-language edition of EWTN News that Nicaraguans and many other people in the world as well would like Pope Francis to take a tougher approach to the dictatorship, given the crimes that have been committed against the country’s Catholics.

After comparing Pope Francis to St. John Paul II, who “confronted dictators, great tyrants,” Gutiérrez called on the pontiff “not to remain silent about the injustices that these criminals are committing against the Catholic Church itself.”

“We would like a Pope Francis who defends the Catholic Church, who stands up for the Catholic Church,” he emphasized.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis’ cardinal advisers hear from 2 female professors on women’s role in the Church

Pope Francis’ council of cardinal advisers heard testimonies from two female theology professors who spoke about the role

Competitors run in the footsteps of the saints in Vatican’s annual 10K race

More than 2,400 contestants raced through Rome in the 14th annual All Saints’ Day 10K, the Corsa dei

What does Pope Francis’ new ‘Fundamental Law’ mean for Vatican City State?

Is the new Fundamental Law issued by Pope Francis last week simply a modernization of Vatican City’s civil

Pope Francis on All Souls’ Day: Do you desire heaven above everything else?

On All Souls’ Day, Pope Francis urged Christians not to “compromise with the Gospel” but to take Jesus’

2 Syrian girls share ‘moving testimony’ at Jubilee of Youth event

Stories from the Jubilee of Youth you may have missed.

Pope Francis Makes Surprise Visit To Regina Coeli Prison On Holy Thursday

Despite ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis made a surprise Holy Thursday visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing his Triduum tradition with prisoners while recovering from pneumonia.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit