The Church of St. Luke

The bishop of Palm Beach said the crisis in the neighboring island nation “has reached truly inhumane proportions … and our solidarity and response are urgently needed.”

The diocese clarified that the decision expresses “no moral judgment regarding the life, virtues, and pastoral ministry” of the bishop, who remains a servant of God.

Assessing the country’s current situation, the prelate emphasized that free elections and democracy simultaneously require the separation of powers, free speech, and a well-informed public.

In the wake of the incident, the local bishop, who will perform a rite of reparation, called for the return of the holy Eucharist and intense prayers for the conversion of the perpetrators.

While the dictatorship in Nicaragua continues suppressing the Church through police surveillance and the prohibition of public processions, attendance at Holy Week services was strong.

A seminary was established in Mexico in 1999 to serve the growing Hispanic community in North America, forming future priests who learn Spanish as well as ecclesial and cultural traditions.

The government said it was making the release “in the context of the religious celebrations of Holy Week.”

The Catholic bishops were among more than 50 intervenors presenting arguments at a landmark Supreme Court of Canada hearing into the constitutionality of Quebec’s 2019 secularism law.

Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau lamented the severe persecution of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

Mexico’s bishops emphasized the transformative power of the cross of Christ and that, despite the trials of this life, Jesus has the final victory.