Auxiliary Bishop Silvio Báez of Managua, Nicaragua, who has been in exile since 2019, will receive the 2025 Pacem in Terris Prize for peace and freedom. The award, established in 1964, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the cause of peace and justice.
Bishop Báez has been a vocal critic of the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo dictatorship in Nicaragua. His words have brought hope to thousands of Nicaraguans who dream of a free, just, and peaceful homeland. The Fundación Libertad, directed by former political prisoner and presidential candidate Félix Maradiaga, praised Bishop Báez for his commitment to truth and the defense of the most vulnerable.
The Pacem in Terris Award is given to individuals who have achieved outstanding work in peace and justice. Past recipients include notable figures such as John F. Kennedy, Dorothy Day, and Mother Teresa. Bishop Báez will receive the award on 9 July at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Davenport, Iowa.
In a recent Mass, Bishop Báez expressed his hope for a liberated Nicaragua, full of justice, peace, joy, and brotherhood. His dedication to the people of Nicaragua and his commitment to peace and freedom have made him a respected voice in the region. The Pacem in Terris Award is a testament to his tireless work and dedication to promoting peace and justice.