Bishop Álvarez, the exiled bishop of Matagalpa Nicaragua, called for unity, forgiveness, and truth to mend the fractured Nicaraguan opposition in exile.
Newsroom (06/06/2025 10:30 , Gaudium Press) Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez delivered a powerful homily in Rome. The exiled bishop of Matagalpa, called for unity, forgiveness, and truth to mend the fractured Nicaraguan opposition in exile. His message, shared during a Mass in Vatican City and echoed by Father Erick Díaz, who attended an audience with the Pope, comes at a critical time as opposition groups struggle to coalesce against the backdrop of ongoing political repression in Nicaragua.
A Call for Unity Rooted in Faith
Álvarez emphasized that unity is a divine act, stating, “Unity is a manifestation of God’s action so that the world may believe.” He stressed that authentic unity requires genuine forgiveness, a process he described as both a gift and a necessity. “To be forgiven by God, to forgive, to be forgiven by others, and to forgive ourselves,” Álvarez said, outlining the spiritual steps needed to overcome division. His words, reported by Father Erick Díaz, resonate deeply with Nicaraguans seeking reconciliation amid internal and external challenges.
Addressing Obstacles to Reconciliation
The bishop did not shy away from naming the “wounds” that hinder unity, both within Nicaragua and among its exiled communities. “Unfortunately, unity is sometimes damaged by personal and structural sin,” he said, listing “intrigue, defamation, envy, pride, infidelity, disloyalty, ambition, [and] betrayal” as barriers to solidarity. Álvarez urged Nicaraguans to confront these challenges through forgiveness, asserting, “The damage to unity is not permanent. It shouldn’t be permanent. God has given us His grace.”
Truth as the Foundation for Unity
Beyond forgiveness, Álvarez highlighted truth as a cornerstone for lasting unity. Quoting Jesus, he said, “Sanctify them in the truth,” emphasizing that “a fundamental element for unity is walking in the truth, because in falsehood it is impossible to walk in truth and humility.” This call for truth aligns with his broader message of integrity and authenticity in efforts to unify the opposition, a sentiment that carries weight given the mutual accusations and distrust among exiled groups.
A Message Amid a Fractured Opposition
Álvarez’s homily comes at a time when the Nicaraguan opposition in exile faces significant challenges in uniting against the regime of President Daniel Ortega. Recent failed attempts to regroup, coupled with tensions among opposition factions, underscore the urgency of his message. Posts on X reflect the resonance of Álvarez’s words, with users noting his reference to “ambition, betrayal, and defamation” as obstacles to unity, particularly in the context of recent opposition efforts in Miami.
The bishop’s pastoral approach contrasts with other voices, such as Father Benito Martínez, who have highlighted the complexity of the situation. Álvarez’s prior experiences, including his 2023 imprisonment on charges of “treason” and subsequent exile to Rome, lend credibility to his call for spiritual and practical reconciliation. In a February 2025 interview with EWTN, he shared his personal connection with Pope Francis, recalling a warm encounter where the Pope apologized for keeping him waiting, a moment that deepened their bond.
A Path Forward for Nicaragua
Álvarez’s homily underscores a stark reality: without forgiveness and truth, the Nicaraguan opposition’s efforts to achieve lasting unity will falter. His message, delivered from the heart of the Vatican, serves as both a spiritual and political call to action for Nicaraguans in exile and those resisting within the country. As the Catholic Church remains a significant force of resistance against Ortega’s regime, with figures like Álvarez and Bishop Silvio Baez in exile, the bishop’s words offer hope for healing and a unified path forward.
Raju Hasmukh with Sources:
Posts on X, June 2025
EWTN Interview with Bishop Rolando Álvarez, February 7, 2025
The Catholic Thing, May 26, 2025
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