Pope Francis recently met with Brazil President Lula in the Vatican on Thursday, with the leftist president offering to help with the Vatican's ongoing problem with Nicaragua.

In particular, Lula offered to help mediate the release of the jailed Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagpala. He was one of the biggest critics of authoritarian president Daniel Ortega and was imprisoned and stripped of his citizenship.

The Vatican had been at odds with the Nicaraguan government for quite some time, as it was the Catholic Church that sheltered anti-government protesters back in 2018, with Bishop Alvarez coming out as one of the autocrat's biggest and most vocal critics.

The Catholic Church was included in the Nicaraguan government's crackdowns, which also included all forms of political opposition, independent media, and those just speaking out against Ortega. Nicaragua has since expelled the top Vatican diplomat from the country, as well as expelled Mother Teresa's order of nuns.

The Ortega government also expelled dozens of foreign priests and imprisoned several Nicaraguan priests. In addition, Catholic events are not allowed in Nicaragua anymore, even ones usually held during Christmas and Holy Week.

"I want to talk to Daniel Ortega about freeing the bishop," said Lula. "I am going to try to help if I can help." The president of Brazil added, "The only thing the church wants is for Nicaragua to free the bishop so he can go to Italy."

Alvarez has remained defiant of Ortega, refusing exile to the United States and choosing to remain in Nicaragua where prison conditions are considered inhumane. He was convicted of undermining the government, spreading false information, obstruction of functions, and disobedience.

Brazil President Lula's Meeting With Pope Francis Was Cordial

As for Pope Francis's audience with Lula, Vatican News reported that they had a 45-minute closed-door discussion at a small meeting hall in the Vatican. An exchange of gifts took place, with the two discussing the matter of peace.

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Lula met with the pope after meeting with Italy's President, Sergio Mattarella. The leader of Brazil also met with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra. According to the Holy See Press Office, Lula's meetings with various Catholic leaders were "cordial."

It was noted that there was a "positive exchange of views on the socio-political situation in the region," with Pope Francis still being vested in Latin America given that he is the first pontiff to hail from the Americas. They reportedly discussed "the promotion of peace and reconciliation, the fight against poverty and inequality, respect for indigenous peoples, as well as protection of the environment."

Nicaragua Freezes Bank Accounts of Priests

Meanwhile, back in Nicaragua, the government is still going after priests. This time, the National Catholic Register has reported that the Ortega administration has frozen the bank accounts of several priests. This came after the Nicaraguan National Police published a statement that accused the Roman Catholic Church of various crimes.

The priests are from several dioceses in Nicaragua, including Granada, Jinotega, León, Matagalpa, and Estelí. The government was reportedly investigating the priests for various crimes, though they have not been charged yet. Human rights defenders have said that the accusations have no basis.

In addition, the Ortega administration has also ordered the Archdiocese of Managua's back account to be frozen as well.

READ MORE: Nicaragua Orders Red Cross to Cease Operations

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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