Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez, who has been in exile since 2019, recently articulated profound warnings regarding the persistent scars of oppression that the Nicaraguan people will bear. He stated that these will serve not only as reminders of a painful past but also as historical scars that prevent the repetition of such injustices. In the context of a brutal crackdown on the Church by the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, he condemned the so-called “false peace” imposed through fear and violence. This stark portrayal reveals the regime’s desperate attempts to maintain control over a populace increasingly disillusioned by its oppressive measures.
The Context of Oppression
As of now, at least 309 religious figures, including bishops, priests, and nuns, have been forced to flee Nicaragua. The regime has confiscated over 39 church properties and barred priestly ordinations in several dioceses. This systematic targeting exemplifies a broader strategy to dismantle any potential opposition, particularly from the Catholic Church, which remains a significant moral authority in Nicaragua.
Bishop Báez’s Message of Hope
In a recent homily delivered on April 12 at Santa Agatha Church in Miami, Florida, Bishop Báez drew a parallel between the wounds of Christ and those suffered by his people. He emphasized that like Jesus’s glorified wounds, the afflictions endured by the Nicaraguan people will, one day, become “historic scars” reminiscent of their struggle against injustice. This message seeks to foster resilience and hope even amid ongoing turmoil.
| Stakeholder | Before the Crackdown | After the Crackdown |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Silvio Báez and Religious Clergy | Operational and public presence in Nicaragua | Exile and loss of church properties |
| Nicaraguan Citizens | Access to religious and moral guidance | Increased oppression and fear |
| Ortega and Murillo Regime | Institutional legitimacy with Church support | Consolidated power through oppression |
The “False Peace” Dilemma
Bishop Báez firmly criticized the regime’s notion of peace as merely the absence of conflict. He argued that any political system built on terror and fear is fundamentally at odds with true peace. The regime may propagate its version of peace, but as long as it employs repression, control, imprisonment, and forced exile, it remains a formidable enemy of justice. Such a perspective invites a critical examination of the Orwellian tactics employed by dictators who redefine peace to serve their own interests.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Nicaraguan regime has banned thousands of processions and public observances during Lent and Holy Week, allowing only state-sanctioned events under police surveillance. This underscores the ongoing tension between the desire for genuine religious expression and the regime’s authoritarian grip on power.
A Call to Construct Peace
Bishop Báez urged followers to become true builders of peace—rooted in justice and capable of fostering reconciliation even in dire circumstances. He offered a vision where believers mature into serious peace-makers, charged with the responsibility to face the wounds of their community with compassion and mercy. His hopeful message emphasizes that while life may be entrenched in struggle, it can also be filled with purpose and profound love.
Projected Outcomes
In the coming weeks, several notable developments to watch include:
- Heightened international scrutiny over human rights violations in Nicaragua, potentially leading to sanctions or diplomatic actions.
- An escalation in underground religious movements as Nicaraguans seek alternative ways to worship and resist oppression.
- A potential resurgence of exiled leaders and clergy, possibly spearheading new initiatives for political and social change within Nicaragua.
Bishop Báez’s poignant reflections illuminate not just the plight of the Nicaraguan people but also weave a narrative of resilience amidst adversity. As scars heal, they will embody both memory and a roadmap to a just and peaceful future free from oppression.
