After spending 17 months in detention—first under house arrest and later in prison—Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez now finds himself in the heart of Rome.
A year after his release, he sat down with EWTN News to share his experiences, his journey of faith, and his commitment to serving the Church despite being far from his homeland.
A Faith Tested by Persecution
Accused of “conspiracy” and “treason” by the government of Daniel Ortega, Bishop Álvarez endured a difficult imprisonment.
However, he describes his release in January 2024 as nothing short of a divine intervention.
“It was a supernatural action of God,” he said, reflecting on the moment he regained his freedom and made his way to Rome.
Being close to the Vatican has been a source of immense spiritual renewal for him.
“Being near Peter,” he said, “has strengthened my faith in ways I never imagined.”
The past year has been one of recovery, both physically and spiritually, but also of profound inner peace.
Childhood and Early Calling to Priesthood
Looking back on his roots, Bishop Álvarez recalled a childhood deeply steeped in faith.
Raised in a devout Catholic family, he remembers playing priest as a child—an early sign of his calling. “Of course, I had girlfriends,” he admitted with a laugh, “but that only helped me discern that my true path was not marriage.”
His journey to the priesthood took him to Guatemala, where he joined the Seminary of the Assumption.
There, he realized his true vocation and committed himself to the ministry.
Choosing to Be Ordained in His Homeland
Despite studying in Rome, where he completed his theological formation, Bishop Álvarez chose to be ordained in Nicaragua rather than by Pope John Paul II.
“I wanted to be with my people,” he explained, emphasizing his deep connection to his homeland.
His ordination took place in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Managua, surrounded by the very community that shaped him.
Leaving His Homeland and Embracing a New Mission
Leaving behind his pastoral work in Nicaragua was a painful transition, but it was not the first time he had to adjust.
“When I entered the seminary, it was difficult to leave behind the vibrant youth ministry I was part of,” he said.
His work with young people had been intense—he once led a Pentecost vigil that gathered 30,000 young people.
The shift to academic and spiritual formation took time, but he embraced it with determination.
Now in Rome, he finds himself in a similar transition.
Initially, he had planned to resign from his position as Bishop of Matagalpa and apostolic administrator of Estelí, but Pope Francis had other plans.
“The Holy Father wanted me to continue in my role, even from afar,” he shared.
“I don’t see myself as exiled—I see myself as liberated.”
The Moment of Liberation
Recalling the day he left Nicaragua, Bishop Álvarez described an overwhelming mix of emotions.
“I was filled with joy, faith, and gratitude,” he said.
As he was escorted to the airport, he silently recited the Creed, reaffirming the faith for which he had suffered.
His release, he believes, was not just due to diplomatic negotiations but also the power of prayer.
“It wasn’t just my prayers—it was the prayers of the faithful around the world,” he said, expressing deep gratitude to everyone who had supported him.
Holding onto Hope in Prison
During his imprisonment, he never lost hope.
“The biggest mistake for a prisoner is thinking they will never be free,” he reflected.
Despite not knowing when he would be released, he remained steadfast in his belief that freedom would come.
Prayer sustained him, and now, looking back, he sees his survival as nothing less than a miracle.
Health and Recovery
Upon arriving in Rome, Bishop Álvarez was physically and emotionally drained.
“I was at minus zero in every aspect—psychological, emotional, spiritual,” he admitted.
But a year later, he estimates that he has recovered about 90%. His time in Rome has been a period of healing and rejuvenation.
The Church in Nicaragua: A People of Hope
Despite the challenges faced by the Church in Nicaragua, Bishop Álvarez remains optimistic.
He carries with him a pastoral letter from Pope Francis, urging Nicaraguans to trust in divine providence even in difficult times.
“Hope may seem clouded in darkness,” he said, “but God is always at work.”
A Special Bond with Pope Francis
Reflecting on his relationship with Pope Francis, Bishop Álvarez shared a lighthearted memory from 2018.
During a visit to the Vatican, he was left waiting outside the Pope’s office for 30 minutes.
When he was finally called in, Pope Francis greeted him warmly, saying, “Forgive me for making you wait—it must have felt like purgatory!” To which Bishop Álvarez replied, “Don’t worry, Holy Father, I used the time to pray the rosary.”
Since then, the Pope has always sent him greetings, and their bond has only grown stronger during his time in Rome.
A Synodal Experience
Bishop Álvarez’s first public appearance after his release was at the Synod on Synodality, where he shared his testimony.
Although he initially hesitated to participate, Pope Francis personally invited him, and he accepted the call.
“That month was intense,” he said, “but I learned so much from my fellow bishops, priests, and laypeople.”
A Message to His People
Before concluding the interview, Bishop Álvarez took a moment to address the people of Nicaragua. “I love you all deeply,” he said.
“Though I may be far, I remain your bishop. My mission is for the universal Church, and I will continue to serve with love and dedication.”
With a final blessing, he expressed his gratitude and hope for the future.
“Faith grows in the diaspora,” he said, “and hope is always strengthened.”
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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