In a significant development, exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez will be joining the second and final session of the Synod of Synodality at the Vatican next month, from October 2 to 27.
This marks a notable shift in his recent quietude since his arrival in Rome earlier this year.
Bishop’s Return to the Spotlight
Álvarez, the bishop of Matagalpa, was deported to Rome on January 14 by Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega regime.
His name has been included among the synod participants selected directly by Pope Francis.
This participation will be a major change from the low profile he has maintained since reaching the Eternal City.
Before this, Álvarez, renowned for his staunch defense of human rights and his critical stance against the Nicaraguan government, had largely stayed out of the public eye.
His first public appearance in exile came on January 15, when he was seen with other displaced priests celebrating Mass in a Rome church.
Recent Travels and Appearances
In June, Álvarez visited Seville in Spain and later the Sanctuary of Covadonga in Asturias, showcasing a rare glimpse into his activities since his relocation.
These visits were among the few occasions he has been publicly seen since being forced into exile.
Background on Bishop Rolando Álvarez
Bishop Álvarez, 57, was appointed to the Matagalpa diocese by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.
His outspoken defense of human rights, particularly during the 2018 civil protests, led to intense persecution by Ortega’s regime.
By August 2022, he was under house arrest, confined with priests, seminarians, and a layman.
Just two weeks later, after food supplies ran out, police raided the residence and abducted Álvarez, taking him to Managua.
On February 10, 2023, he was sentenced to 26 years and four months in prison, labeled a “traitor to the country,” and imprisoned in La Modelo, a facility known for housing political prisoners.
The day before his sentencing, Álvarez declined to board a plane carrying over 200 political prisoners to the U.S.
His eventual exile to Rome on January 14 followed Vatican mediation efforts, along with Bishop Isidoro Mora of Siuna and other priests and seminarians.
What’s Next?
With Álvarez now set to participate in the Synod of Synodality, many will be watching closely to see how his presence influences discussions and decisions at the Vatican.
His journey from a persecuted bishop to an active participant in a global synod underscores the ongoing struggles and resilience of human rights defenders around the world.