Reduction in church attacks in Nicaragua linked to clergy and religious figures not reporting incidents

In the small Central American nation of Nicaragua, the Catholic Church has faced a significant amount of persecution since 2018. This persecution has resulted in the seizure or closure of schools, universities, and charitable projects, as well as the expulsion of clergy members.

According to reports, there were 321 attacks on the Nicaraguan church in 2023, and this number decreased to 32 in 2025. Despite this decrease, 302 clergy and religious are still living outside Nicaragua, having fled, been exiled, or denied readmittance.

One of the most notable cases is that of Bishop Carlos Herrera of Jinotega, who was expelled from Nicaragua and is currently living in a Franciscan community in Guatemala. Pope Leo XIV welcomed Bishop Herrera during a private audience on Aug. 23, 2025, reaffirming papal support for prelates appointed by his predecessor in the country.

The pope's audience with the three exiled Nicaraguan bishops is significant as it represents ongoing dialogue and engagement between the German bishops and the Roman Curia. The meetings reflect the efforts to address differences and advance the synodal process within the Catholic Church.

Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer in exile, tracks church persecution in Nicaragua. Her report, "Nicaragua, a Persecuted Church," is in its seventh edition, documenting a total of 1,010 aggressions committed against the Nicaraguan church since 2018.

Spying on clergy and church services is common in Nicaragua, adding to the religious tension in the country. The Catholic Church has been a significant part of Nicaraguan society for centuries, and its persecution has been a source of concern for the international community.

This article falls under the World category and was written by David Agren for the given website. The pope's private audience with the three exiled Nicaraguan bishops reaffirms papal support for the prelates appointed by his predecessor in the country and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.