US demands Nicaragua release detained bishop, condemns 'cruel religious repression'

The United States has demanded the "immediate and unconditional" release of Nicaraguan Bishop Juan Abelardo Mata, 80, who was detained after officiating a Mass where he prayed for the persecuted Catholic Church.

The U.S. State Department's Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, via its X account, stated that Mata represents no threat to the Sandinista regime and has fragile health. The U.S. Embassy in Managua shared the message on social media.

Washington also condemned the "continuous and cruel persecution and religious repression" by the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship, demanding an end to attacks on religious freedom.

Mata was reportedly detained by police on Monday in retaliation for a June 25 Mass in Estelí, where he prayed for the Catholic Church and mentioned Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was recently denationalized and exiled, and Father Frutos Valle.

Sources indicate the octogenarian bishop was initially taken for investigation and later placed under surveillance at his residence in Tisma, Masaya. However, police reportedly returned and took him away again, with his current whereabouts unknown. The National Police have not provided an official explanation.

Relations between the Vatican and Managua are officially suspended. In March 2023, the late Pope Francis called Ortega's government a "gross dictatorship." This followed Bishop Álvarez's conviction for "treason against the homeland" and subsequent exile and denationalization. Ortega has also dissolved and expropriated the Society of Jesus and labeled the Church a "mafia."