Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa was convicted and sentenced by a Nicaraguan court to 26 years in prison Feb. 10 — barely a day after the outspoken prelate defied President Daniel Ortega by refusing to go into exile.
Pope Francis
Pope ‘Pained’ by Nicaraguan Bishop’s 26-Year Prison Sentence
Just days after Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, was sentenced to 26 years in prison, Pope Francis expressed concern over his condition.
Egyptian Coptic Cleric Hails Pope Francis & His Middle East Messages
Pope Francis’ call for human fraternity is not just idle talk, as we are used to hearing from the leaders in the Arab world, but rather a comprehensive approach that includes dialogue with and working for the millions of poor and needy in the region, which is rippling with political and economic turmoil.
Pope Implores ‘Healing and Consolation’ in Wake of U.S. Mass Shooting
Pope Francis has offered his prayers and support to all those who were affected by the recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, where 11 people were killed.
Pope Francis on Critics, Health, Homosexuality, and Benedict’s Death
Public criticism by cardinals and bishops is annoying — “like a rash that bothers you a bit,” Pope Francis said — but differences need to be aired and criticism can be helpful, he told the Associated Press.
Mass Media Needs More Kindness, Truth Spoken with Charity, Pope Says
The media and the field of communications need to exercise more kindness and share the truth with charity, Pope Francis said.
Pope Prays God Will Strengthen Commitment to Defending All Human Life
As the Biden administration and state governments look at ways to expand or restrict access to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, Pope Francis prayed that God would strengthen people’s commitment to protecting human life at every stage.
Pope Recalls John Paul II’s Message to Cubans: ‘Return to Your Roots’
Pope Francis asked Cubans “to make present in their hearts” the actions and words of St. John Paul II during his visit to their nation 25 years ago to “give a new push to building the country’s future with hope and determination.”
Pope Baptizes Babies, Urges Parents to Teach Them to Pray
Telling parents and godparents to teach their little ones to pray from the time they are small, Pope Francis baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel as their older brothers and sisters looked on — or got away and ran around.
Vatican Says Pope Emeritus Benedict is in Serious, But Stable Condition
The day after Pope Francis told people retired Pope Benedict was “very sick” and in need of prayers, the Vatican said he had had a restful night and described him as being in serious, but stable condition.