The Nicaraguan dictatorship, led by Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, has banned the ordination of priests and deacons in four dioceses without a bishop: Jinotega, Siuna, Matagalpa, and Estelí. This move exacerbates the existing pastoral crisis, marked by years of religious persecution. The affected dioceses have seen significant reductions in their pastoral capacity, with many priests forced into exile or banished.
The ban is attributed to the regime’s hatred towards Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was expelled to Rome in January 2024. The government is also increasing surveillance on priests, making it difficult for them to perform their duties. The dioceses of León, Granada, Juigalpa, and Bluefields, which have their diocesan bishops, are still allowed to perform ordinations.
The impact of the ban is alarming, with Matagalpa operating with only 30% of its active clergy. The faithful are left without regular Eucharist celebrations, and seminarians are in a state of limbo, unable to access the sacrament. Despite this, vocations continue to flourish in Nicaragua, with young people answering the call to priesthood.