On the same day that marked the tenth anniversary of Francis’s pontificate, the Vatican and Nicaragua faced a dramatic shift in relations. The pontiff described the Ortega Murillo leadership as elevating a regime that many observers have labeled a brutal dictatorship and drew a stark parallel to challenging chapters in world history. In a long interview conducted in Argentina, the pope underscored the need for honesty and restraint, while also expressing sympathy for the traditional church figures who chose to stay and bear the consequences of political conflict. He spoke of a bishop who decided not to abandon his country despite the risks and who chose to testify rather than accept exile.
The pope later expressed sadness over the situation in Nicaragua and recalled the circumstances surrounding the bishop of Matagalpa, who faced a lengthy prison sentence and those who were deported. The pope’s remarks came during the Angelus on a Sunday, emphasizing personal concern for the human cost of political actions. In response, leaders in Nicaragua retorted that the church and its allies had not stood with the government, arguing that the church had veered from its principles and that its role should be limited to spiritual matters rather than political influence.
The dialogue between church and state in Nicaragua drew sharp lines as the government and its supporters urged a recalibration of diplomatic ties with the Holy See. A government statement circulated publicly called into question the Vatican’s stance and suggested a severing of formal relations was possible. The regional diplomatic presence in Managua has shifted in practice, with the Vatican’s mission continuing under a chargé d’affaires while full ambassadorial ties have remained unsettled for an extended period.
Within the broader political landscape, the historical alliance between the presidential couple and the Catholic Church began to fracture earlier in the decade. A wave of public demonstrations in 2018, described by many as a social crisis, exposed tensions as the church initially backed state policy but gradually changed positions to align with protesters. Over time, authorities closed church-owned stations and institutions, and measures targeting religious communities grew more restrictive. Members of religious orders faced scrutiny and punishment, further widening the rift. Immediate consequences followed for church leaders who voiced solidarity with dissidents, including arrests and official charges. In response, government supporters labeled some bishops as destabilizers and accused certain clergy of aiding attempts to destabilize the administration. The evolving conflict between church leaders and state authorities has become a defining thread in recent Nicaraguan politics, complicating the once-close relationship between church institutions and the ruling family.