In a continued wave of persecution against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua, authorities have arrested six more Catholic priests, further adding to the growing list of religious figures targeted by the government. The priests arrested are Rev. Pablo Villafranca, Rev. Héctor Treminio, Rev. Carlos Avilés, Rev. Fernando Calero, Rev. Marcos Díaz Prado, and Rev. Isidoro Mora.

The exiled auxiliary bishop of Managua, Silvio José Báez, reported that three of the priests, Avilés from the Archdiocese of Managua, Treminio from Holy Christ Parish, and Calero from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, were missing. Báez expressed outrage at their alleged abduction, placing blame on what he referred to as the "criminal Sandinista dictatorship."

Further details emerged as attorney Martha Patricia Molina revealed that Díaz Prado, from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, had been detained by authorities. Bishop Isidro Mora from the Archdiocese of Siuna was also detained last week.

This latest incident follows the detention of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was charged with treason and sedition in 2022. In February, Álvarez was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Pope Francis himself denounced the Sandinista leadership as a "gross dictatorship."

Tensions between Nicaragua and the Vatican have escalated, leading to the suspension of relations. The Ortega-Murillo family, who hold significant power in Nicaragua, has sought to exert control over the appointment of bishops and cardinals, according to the Catholic News Agency.

These arrests are believed to be linked to the protests that occurred in 2018, which resulted in a staggering number of casualties, including at least 100,000 people being exiled, 1,600 detainees, 2,000 injuries, and 355 deaths, as reported by the Associated Press.

The ongoing persecution of Catholic priests in Nicaragua raises concerns about religious freedom and human rights, prompting international condemnation. As the situation unfolds, the Catholic Church continues to advocate for justice and protection for its members in the face of growing adversity.