Pope Francis appeals for peace in Nicaragua

Pope Francis appeals for peace in Nicaragua

Pope Francis appeals for peace in Nicaragua as the death toll from a government crackdown on protesters rises to 110, expressing his sorrow for the violence taking place in the Latin American nation.

By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis at the Sunday Angelus address appealed for peace in Nicaragua and expressed his “deep sorrow” for the violence that has caused many deaths and injuries.

Uniting himself to the concerns of the country's bishops, the Pope called for an end to all violence and prayed for the victims and their families.

He said the Church is always in favor of dialogue but that “it requires active engagement in respect for freedom and, above all, life.”

Nicaragua has seen widespread protests after President Daniel Ortega cut pensions and social security in April. He quickly revoked the legislation, but he himself then became the focus of the protests.

Church siege

On Saturday, police laid siege to a Catholic church in Masaya, some 20km south of the capital Managua, after around 30 opposition supporters sought refuge there. They had been attacked by riot police and pro-government militias.

Two people died in the church before local Church authorities intervened and those holed up there were released.

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