Pope Francis Deeply Concerned by Arrests of Catholic Clergy in Nicaragua

Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from his window, at the Vatican, Jan. 1, 2024. (Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters)

Pope Francis has urged prayers for Nicaragua where two Catholic bishops,15 priests and two seminarians are in custody, with the most recent arrests taking place on Dec. 31. Observers fear the government of President Daniel Ortega is trying to eradicate the Catholic Church’s presence in Nicaragua.