Pope Francis addresses prison sentence for bishop detained in Nicaragua

February 12 (United Press International) — Francis Sunday spoke of a bishop detained in Nicaragua for treason being jailed.

Matagalpa bishop Rolando Alvarez has been an outspoken critic of Nicaragua’s presidential government Daniel Ortega Violations of civil and religious liberties.

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In August, he was banned from leaving his home to attend Mass and placed under house arrest. In December, he was charged with conspiracy to “undermine national integrity and spread false news” and was ordered to remain under house arrest.

Alvarez refuses to leave Nicaragua 222 political prisoners Those who flew to the U.S. on Thursday, NPR reports.

He was due to stand trial next week, but was branded a traitor, sentenced to 26 years in prison and stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship, NPR reported.

“I am very saddened by the news from Nicaragua, and I cannot fail to miss Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagalpa, for whom I care very much, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison, and those who were deported to the United States, said Francis after Angelus prayer.

“My prayers are with them and all who are suffering in this dear country, and I ask for your prayers.”