"Nicaragua Escalates Church Tensions with Wave of Priest Arrests"

In Nicaragua, a series of arrests targeting the Catholic clergy has escalated with the detention of Fr. Gustavo Sandino and at least 13 other priests, two seminarians, and a bishop following Mass on New Year's Eve. Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano of Managua has shown support for the affected families and communities, emphasizing the importance of ecclesial unity and prayer. The UN has criticized Nicaragua for its increasing disregard for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as these arrests add to concerns over the persecution of various societal groups.