Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 10, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 26, 2026
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Nicaragua's government harshly criticized the Vatican after exiled Bishop Alvarez's TV interview, escalating tensions with the Catholic Church.
(Reuters) - Nicaragua's government described the Vatican as "depraved" and "pedophile" on Sunday, two days after an interview on Catholic television channel EWTN with exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez, one of the fiercest critics of President Daniel Ortega.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
The comments are some of the Ortega government's harshest attacks yet against the Vatican, after it accused Catholic institutions of seeking to undermine the government and expelled nearly 50 priests and nuns.
Analysts say heightened tensions could put additional pressure on Catholic bishops and priests who remain in the Central American country, and limit the possibility of rapprochement with the Holy See.
KEY QUOTES
Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry referred to the highest Catholic institution as the "depraved, pedophile Vatican State," saying it "allies with forces of darkness, barbarism, genocide and evil," adding that it was "very much guilty of crimes against humanity."
CONTEXT
Alvarez's television appearance on February 7 was his first interview since being released in January 2024 from more than a year in detention.
He expressed gratitude for his physical and mental recovery and hope for the Nicaraguan people, saying, "In the diaspora, faith always grows, and hope gets stronger."
Alvarez's arrest in 2022 was one of the most high-profile detentions during a crackdown on dissent that stemmed from protests in 2018 that killed more than 350 and sparked international outcry over rights abuses.
THE RESPONSE
In recent months, Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for Nicaragua, calling in December for "a path of respectful and constructive dialogue."
(Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Nicaragua's government referred to the Vatican as 'depraved' and 'pedophile,' accusing it of allying with forces of darkness and evil.
Bishop Alvarez was exiled after being detained for more than a year, during which he was one of the most high-profile victims of a crackdown on dissent in Nicaragua.
Pope Francis has called for prayers for Nicaragua and emphasized the need for 'respectful and constructive dialogue' regarding the country's situation.
Analysts suggest that heightened tensions could increase pressure on Catholic bishops and priests in Nicaragua, limiting the possibility of reconciliation with the Vatican.
Bishop Alvarez's last television appearance was on February 7, 2024, marking his first interview since his release from detention.
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