Pope Francis has issued a call to political leaders in Nicaragua to engage in a sincere search for peace and to open their hearts to truth and justice. The Pope’s appeal comes in the wake of the recent imprisonment of Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagalpa and the expulsion of 222 political dissidents, including several priests and seminarians.

Pope Francis expressed his deep sadness at the news from Nicaragua and said that he is praying for Bishop Alvarez, who has been sentenced to 26 years in prison. The Pope called on the faithful to join him in praying to the Lord for the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, asking her to open the hearts of political leaders and all citizens to the pursuit of peace.

Pope Francis also led the faithful in the recitation of the Hail Mary, as he appealed to political leaders to engage in dialogue and to seek peace through the practice of truth, justice, freedom, and love. The Pope’s message serves as a call to action for all people of good will to work towards peace and justice in Nicaragua.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News.