Pope worried about Nicaraguan bishop sentenced to 26 years

Pope Francis on Sunday expressed sadness and worry at the news that Bishop Rolando Álvarez, an outspoken critic of the Nicaraguan government, had been sentenced to 26 years in prison in the latest move against the Catholic Church and government opponents.

Hours later in Nicaragua's capital, Cardenal Leopoldo Brenes said someone had asked him what they could do for Álvarez. “Pray, that is our strength,” Brenes told those gathered inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “Pray that the Lord gives him strength, gives him judgment in all of his actions.”

Álvarez was sentenced Friday, after refusing to get on a flight to the United States with 222 other prisoners, all opponents of President Daniel Ortega. In addition to his prison term, Álvarez was stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship.

“The news that arrived from Nicaragua has saddened me no little,” the pontiff told the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the traditional Sunday blessing, expressing both his love and concern for Álvarez.

He called on the faithful to pray for the politicians responsible “to open their hearts.”

The comments by Pope

Francis and Cardinal Brenes Sunday were the first made publicly by the church about the expulsion of the prisoners — several priests did board the flight — and of Álvarez's sentence.

Ortega ordered the mass release of political leaders, priests, students and activists widely considered political prisoners and had some of them put on a flight to Washington Thursday. Ortega said Álvarez refused to board without being able to consult with other bishops.

Nicaragua's president called Álvarez's refusal “an absurd thing.” Álvarez, who had been held under house arrest, was then taken to the nearby Modelo prison.