The persecution of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua under President Daniel Ortega’s regime and his wife Rosario Murillo continues to escalate.
For the third consecutive year, the government has banned public street processions, leaving many religious communities forced to adapt their practices to remain under the radar of government authorities.
This crackdown, especially during Holy Week, highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the Church in a country where religious freedoms are severely restricted.
Impact on Popular Religious Practices
In years past, Nicaraguans would take to the streets during important religious events to participate in processions, a tradition that was central to the Catholic faith in the country.
However, as Marcos, a parishioner from a church in Managua, explained, things have changed.
“Before, we used to go out into the streets and go around the communities, but now we don’t.
We have to do it inside the church, and that somewhat diminishes popular religiosity,” he said.
For many, the processions were an essential part of their religious expression, and now, confined to the church, the sense of communal connection has been diminished.
Government Surveillance and Repression
The regime’s control over religious practices has reached a disturbing level, with reports that the government is deploying thousands of police officers to ensure that the ban on public processions is strictly enforced.
According to reports, around 14,000 police officers have been mobilized for Holy Week, aiming to prevent any street demonstrations of faith.
A local resident named Aurelio highlighted the surveillance measures, noting that plainclothes police officers are routinely monitoring public events, taking photos, and even keeping tabs on individuals attending church services.
Harassment of Clergy and Religious Leaders
The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for priests and religious leaders in Nicaragua.
Martha Patricia Molina, a researcher and lawyer in exile, shared insights about the “Summer 2025 Plan,” which includes police harassment aimed at intimidating priests into submission.
The regime has issued two key orders to religious leaders: no public processions and no criticism of the government in homilies or religious activities.
Molina’s report, titled “Nicaragua: A Persecuted Church,” outlines nearly 1,000 documented attacks on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua between 2018 and 2024.
Surveillance of Priests and Religious Activities
In addition to targeting religious gatherings, the government has intensified its surveillance on clergy members.
Reports indicate that the police are monitoring priests closely, inspecting their cellphones, and demanding regular reports on their activities.
Even the youngest members of the community are not spared from the regime’s reach, with police interrogating schoolchildren on their way to church.
Limited Permissions for Processions
While some parishes have managed to secure limited permission for processions, these gatherings are far removed from the vibrant, community-wide processions of the past.
According to Molina, the processions now occur only in front of the parish, briefly moving toward the main altar.
Unlike the processions of previous years, which would wind through the streets, these events have been severely restricted, offering only a fraction of the freedom once enjoyed by Nicaraguan Catholics.
As Nicaragua faces ongoing repression, it’s clear that the Church’s struggle for religious freedom is far from over.
Despite the harsh limitations, the faith of many continues to endure, even in the face of these authoritarian measures.