The exiled auxiliary bishop of Managua responded to Ortega’s recent attacks on the Church and Bishop Rolando Alvarez.
Redaction (Apr 19, 2023 10:20 AM, Gaudium Press) Ortega is not forgetting Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who is being held in La Modelo prison after being sentenced to more than 26 years in prison. It seems to be becoming an obsession that comes to the fore in the most unexpected circumstances, such as last April 15, when he met with the president of the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency, he referred to the imprisoned bishop who “has dedicated himself to boycotting and sabotaging economic and productive activities in Matagalpa.”
Ortega also said that following the citizens’ protests, the Central American country’s bishops demanded the dismantling of “all the powers of the state” and that “the bishop of Matagalpa was the one who took the lead. Since when do bishops have the authority to go around deciding who governs and who doesn’t govern?” he questioned.
Bishop Silvio Báez, auxiliary bishop of Managua, exiled in Florida, disagreed with the statement that “Nicaraguans have to learn to interpret the language” of the dictator. “When he says these things, you have to interpret that it is for his people, so that they see him strong. And deep down, those who hear him must think it’s a sign of weakness, a sign of despair. He knows he is alone inside and outside the country,” emphasized the prelate.
Bishop Baez continues to demand the release of the Bishop of Matagalpa: “He has the right to be with his people, and his people have the right to have their bishop. I believe that Rolando should not be in jail, because he is innocent.”
Compiled by Angelica Vecchiato
