On February 9, Nicaragua's government labeled the Vatican as "depraved" and "pedophile," following an interview on Catholic television channel EWTN with Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez, a prominent critic of President Daniel Ortega.
This represents some of the harshest criticism leveled by the Ortega regime against the Vatican, accusing Catholic institutions of attempting to undermine the government and expelling nearly 50 priests and nuns.
Analysts warn that these heightened tensions may increase pressure on Catholic clergy in Nicaragua and impede efforts to reconcile with the Holy See.
Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry branded the highest Catholic institution as the "depraved, pedophile Vatican State," alleging alignment with dark, barbaric, genocidal, and evil forces, and holding it accountable for "crimes against humanity."
Alvarez's interview on February 7 marked his first since his release in January 2024 after over a year of detention. Expressing gratitude for his recovery and optimism for the Nicaraguan people, he stated, "In the diaspora, faith always grows, and hope gets stronger."
Alvarez's arrest in 2022 was a significant event during a government crackdown on dissent following the 2018 protests that resulted in over 350 deaths and global condemnation of human rights violations.
In recent months, Pope Francis has urged Catholics to pray for Nicaragua and called in December for "a path of respectful and constructive dialogue."