Valentina di Giorgio
(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 12.02.2023).- Three days after the deportation oof 222 political prisoners by the Nicaraguan dictatorship, and two days after sentencing a Nicaraguan Bishop for just over a quarter of a century to prison, the Holy Father wished to make the situation visible from Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, February 12. As part of his Sunday Message, the Pontiff said:
The news arriving from Nicaragua has saddened me not a little, and I cannot fail to remember here with concern the Bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, whom I so love, sentenced to 26 years of prison, and also the people who have been deported to the United States. I pray for them and for all those suffering in that dear Nation, and I ask for your prayers. Let us also pray to the Lord, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, to open the heart of the political leaders and of all the citizens in the sincere search for peace, which is born of truth, justice, freedom and love, and is attained through the patient exercise of dialogue. Let us pray together to the Virgin. [Hail Mary].
Just on Friday, February 10,the husband and wife team of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, which governs Nicaragua, sent a letter to the Pope on the occasion of the anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts, which acknowledge the autonomy and sovereignty, respectively, of Italy and the Holy See. The letter stated:
Friday, February 10, 2023
Managua, Nicaragua
His Holiness
Pope Francis
Vatican City State
Vatican City
Most Holy Father,
On the special occasion to commemorate the 94th Anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts, which reaffirm the Independence and National Sovereignty of Vatican City State, this coming February 11, we are proud to express, in the Name of the People and Government of National Reconciliation and Unity of the Republic of Nicaragua, and in Our Own Name, our Most Sincere Congratulations to You and to the Catholic Christian Community of the World.
With the Affection of a Christian, Humble and Devout People, advancing on Paths of Peace and Good Living, we greet you on this memorable and historic date, which coincides with the celebrations of the apparition of Our Lady, the Virgin of Lourdes.
In that same Marian Spirit, full of Healing and Purifying Virtues, We Pray for You, so that Our Almighty Father and Our Most Holy Mother Mary, will grant you Wisdom, Health, Fortitude and Courage to continue fulfilling your Sacred Mission.
With the profound affection and respect of the Nicaraguan People.
