Since the 2018 Nicaraguan protests against social security reform, during which the Catholic church often sided with the protesters, the Ortega administration has been actively targeting the Church. Just this year, the government has threatened the Church several times, prohibiting traditional religious processions, dissolving faith-based universities by revoking their legal status, and shutting down local religious media outlets. 

One of the administration’s latest crackdowns on the Church has involved the active deportation of bishops and priests. While many Catholic leaders had already fled the country after violent threats, physical harassment, and several accounts of damaged property, the first governmental detainment of priests came in August 2022. Police raided the residence of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, arresting him and several other priests. They were accused of “organizing violent groups” and “carry[ing] out acts of hate against the population.” 

By February 2023, the government had taken 224 political prisoners, many of whom were priests. Without warning, they were exiled to the United States on Feb. 8 and stripped of their citizenship. 

Álvarez, however, resisted deportation, walking up the stairs to the plane before descending back down, refusing to board without being able to consult with the other bishops. Two days later, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Faith leaders from around the world have applauded his decision, admiring his bravery to stay with those who are imprisoned and repressed. 

“Bishop Álvarez is very much in line with the actions of many saints and martyrs of the church,” Jesuit priest Fr. James Martin told NPR. “This kind of holiness is about remaining with your friends and refusing to leave them.”  

The Pope has also expressed solidarity with Álvarez, urging the Church to pray for the priest and his family, along with all the other leaders who have been deported. “The news from Nicaragua has saddened me a great deal,” he said in a statement. “Let us ask the Lord…to open the hearts of political leaders and all citizens to the sincere search for peace.”

Churches in the United States have warmly received a few priests who fled the country. Father Erick Díaz found solace in Chicago, where a parish welcomed him with open arms. Three other priests who were exiled in February have attended the same parish after being granted asylum. 

“The church of Chicago is blessed to have [them] with us,” Cardinal Cupich said in a statement. “We call for an immediate end to the systemic persecution of the church in Nicaragua.”