The U.S. Republican Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, urged Pope Francis on Wednesday to «intensify» efforts for the immediate and unconditional release of Bishop Rolando Álvarez. Álvarez, the Bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa, is currently a political prisoner under the regime of Daniel Ortega.
Rubio’s request, conveyed through a letter dated December 13, is also driven by concerns over the reported «inhumane treatment» that Álvarez, the sole imprisoned priest in Nicaragua, might be enduring.
«Humbly, I ask that you intercede for the release of Bishop Álvarez and for the right to religious freedom for all Catholics in Nicaragua. I endeavor to follow your advice by seeking refuge in the word of God and praying for those in Nicaragua who are persecuted for their faith,» reads the letter. Rubio’s request is framed within his personal faith.
«I am saddened that the situation in Nicaragua has not improved,» stated the official, mentioning that there is evidence indicating that the priest may be a victim of torture under the Ortega regime.
A threat to the regime
The U.S. senator has emphasized that Bishop Álvarez is a devoted shepherd of the Catholic faith and the inherent dignity of all human life. «Bishop Álvarez has used his ministry to demand respect for the fundamental human rights bestowed by God in his country, which led the regime of Daniel Ortega to view the Catholic Church as a threat to its illegitimate government.» This underscores how the regime perceives any advocacy for fundamental human rights as a challenge to its authority.
Rubio also highlighted that the Nicaraguan priest, who was detained in August 2022, stands as a testimony to the resilience of Catholics worldwide. Despite the opportunity to be released and exiled to the United States along with a group of 222 political prisoners, Álvarez chose to remain in the country to «courageously continue supporting those Nicaraguans who are still unjustly detained,» according to the official.
