Pope Francis expressed his concerns about the ongoing crises in Nicaragua and Venezuela. During his annual New Year address to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of promoting peace, justice, and human rights globally. The Pope specifically mentioned Venezuela’s “serious political crisis” and urged the country to adopt truth, justice, and freedom values to overcome the challenges.
Regarding Nicaragua, Pope Francis stressed the need for dialogue and expressed concern over the measures taken against the Church and its institutions. He emphasized that true peace cannot be achieved without guaranteeing religious freedom, which includes respecting individuals’ consciences and allowing them to express their faith publicly. The Pope’s message comes at a time when Nicaragua’s government has been criticized for its treatment of the Catholic Church and its leaders.
In his address, Pope Francis also touched on the global rise of conflicts, polarization, and misinformation. He lamented the recent attacks in Germany and the United States, citing them as examples of the growing fear and distrust in societies. The Pope attributed this phenomenon to the spread of fake news, which distorts conscience and generates a climate of suspicion and hatred.