(Reuters) – The government of Nicaragua described the Vatican as “corrupt” and “pedophile” on Sunday two days after an interview about Catholic television channel EWTN with banished Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez, one of the fiercest critics of President Daniel Ortega.
Why it is important
The comments are some of the toughest attacks of the Ortega government against the Vatican, after the Catholic institutions accused of trying to undermine the government and to expel nearly 50 priests and nuns.
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Analysts say that increased tensions can exert extra pressure on Catholic bishops and priests who remain in the middle -American country and limit the possibility of rapprochement with the holy chair.
Key quotes
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua referred to the highest Catholic institution such as the 'corrupt, pedophile Vatican state', and said 'allies with forces of darkness, barbarism, genocide and evil', adding that it was' very guilty of crimes against humanity '.
Context
Alvarez's television performance On 7 February, was his first interview since he was released in January 2024 of more than a year in Detency.
He gratefully expressed for his physical and mental recovery and hope for the Nicaraguan people and said, “In the Diaspora, faith is always growing and hope becomes stronger.”
The arrest of Alvarez in 2022 was one of the most controversial arrests during a performance against deviating opinion that resulted in protests in 2018, killing more than 350 and caused international protests about violations of rights.
The answer
In recent months, Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for Nicaragua and to call in December for 'a path of respectful and constructive dialogue'.
(Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Writing by Danina Beth Solomon; adaptation by Clarence Fernandez)
