Sandinista Says Cardinal Deserves Nobel Prize

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, JULY 4, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega, who once bitterly opposed Managua’s archbishop, has nominated Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo for the Nobel Peace Prize, «in recognition of his struggle for national reconciliation.»

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Ortega made his proposal recently after meeting with the cardinal at the Catholic University in the capital city, the Salesian News Agency reported.

«Cardinal Obando has been a determinant element in the effort we made during the Sandinista government, to sign the peace agreements with the counterrevolutionary groups,» Ortega said.

During the meeting, the Sandinista leader also asked the cardinal to preside at a Mass in memory of the 45,000 dead of both sides, who fell during the 1980s military conflict between the Sandinista government and the «contras.»

The cardinal supported the Mass intention as a way to avoid future acts of violence and war.

During the Mass, prayers will be offered for peace, reconciliation and the eternal repose of all those who died in the civil war.

The cardinal designated the archdiocese’s vicar general to preside over the Mass scheduled for later this month, on the 25th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution.

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