Nicaraguan bishop urges more 'effective' international solidarity for the oppressed

Nicaraguan bishop Silvio Báez, who has been stripped of his nationality and lives in exile, called for clearer and more effective international solidarity for oppressed peoples. Speaking from a church in the United States, the bishop, a vocal critic of the government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, expressed concern over a growing sense of social "impotence" in the face of rigid power structures. He demanded more decisive international action to aid societies suffering from oppression and a "hunger for freedom."

Báez described entire populations as weary and burdened by fear, deception, and oppression. He lamented the lack of leadership that connects with the people and inspires hope, stating, "What is missing is international solidarity that is clearer and more effective." The auxiliary bishop of Managua was instructed by the late Pope Francis to leave Nicaragua in 2019 for safety reasons.

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There are also entire peoples tired and burdened by fear, deception, and oppression (...) what is missing is international solidarity that is clearer and more effective.

Nicaragua has been governed by Ortega since 2007. He and his wife, Murillo, have faced accusations of electoral fraud and eliminating political opposition. International and national organizations accuse the Sandinista government of widespread human rights abuses, including severe restrictions on religious freedom, freedom of association, assembly, press, and expression.

In his homily, Báez suggested that Jesus offers rest to the oppressed. However, he emphasized that this rest is not a magical gift but a result of actively choosing to follow the Gospel's wisdom. He stated that true rest emerges from fostering respectful and solidary relationships, abandoning futile divisions, and prioritizing the common good over personal ambitions.

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Without a doubt, this rest that Jesus offers us will not fall from the sky like something magical, but will be the fruit of deciding to walk illuminated by the wisdom of the Gospel.