Central American Bishops Express Concern Over Bishop Abelardo Mata's Health

Bishops from the Episcopal Secretariat of Central America (Sedac) have voiced "concern" for the health of Nicaraguan Bishop Abelardo Mata. They are formally requesting the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo permit his personal doctor and daily caregivers to see him, as his condition remains unconfirmed.

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We express our concern for the health of Monsignor Juan Abelardo, and respectfully request the Government of the Republic for permission for the visit of his Doctor and the personnel who assist him daily, due to his delicate health condition.

In a statement dated July 10, 2026, Sedac, which comprises bishops from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, appealed for access to the bishop. "We express our concern for the health of Monsignor Juan Abelardo, and respectfully request the Government of the Republic for permission for the visit of his Doctor and the personnel who assist him daily, due to his delicate health condition," the statement read.

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Do they intend to hand him over dead? Because of so much hatred against him.

The Ministry of the Interior, controlled by the Ortega-Murillo administration, confirmed that the bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Estelí had been returned to his home after a police "investigation." However, the Sedac bishops stated they are closely monitoring the situation of their "esteemed brother," who, according to a July 4, 2026, press release, is under investigation by the Ministry of the Interior.

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the origin of properties and family ties that do not coincide with the priestly condition of Bishop Emeritus Abelardo Mata

Bishop Mata was initially detained by police on June 29, 2026, reportedly in retaliation for a mass he held the previous day, during which he asked the faithful to pray for the persecuted Catholic Church. Although released under surveillance at his residence in Tisma, Masaya, on June 30, he was allegedly "kidnapped" again by police officers on July 4, 2026. His whereabouts and condition have been unknown since then, fueling uncertainty. "Do they intend to hand him over dead? Because of so much hatred against him," denounced Nicaraguan lawyer and researcher Martha Patricia Molina on social media. She stated that Bishop Mata remains in state custody following the Ministry of the Interior's announcement of an investigation into "the origin of properties and family ties that do not coincide with the priestly condition of Bishop Emeritus Abelardo Mata," while asserting he "remains in perfect condition."

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remains in perfect condition.