Understanding What's Going on: The Catholic Church in Nicaragua

Thousands of Nicaraguans have been forced into exile under the current government. They have seized the property of many Catholic religious orders, imprisoned Bishop Rolando Alvarez. On August 23, 2023, the President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega declared the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) illegal, confiscating the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA). In February 2024, the repression against Nicaraguans who oppose the government continues. Speaking to the Associated Press, Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer, in exile in the United States, told the Associated Press, “If it’s dangerous to pray the rosary in the street, it is exceedingly so to report attacks" explaining the fear among priests and the faithful. - -leading many persons to flee to the United States border in search of asylum.

This webinar seeks to examine and inform students about the political crisis in Nicaragua, the particular targeting of the Catholic Church, and the fear driving many Nicaraguans into exile.

Panelists:
Rhina Guidos, Latin America Regional Correspondent for the Global Sisters Report, National Catholic Reporter
Brian Strassburger, SJ, Director of Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries, Brownsville, TX
Fred Cocozzelli, Chair, Department of Government and Politics, St. John's

Moderated by Meghan Clark

For More information see NCR & Rhina Guidos reporting: