Pope speaks for the first time about NicaraguaFrancis: hope for Nicaragua, freedom to pray in UkraineAlder, Nicaraguan seminarian: "The Pope asked us to be courageous".Pope Francis addressed an emotional pastoral letter to the Nicaraguan people, reaffirming his spiritual closeness and encouraging them in their devotion to the Immaculate Conception, a central figure in the faith of the nation. In the context of the Novena of the Immaculate Conception, the Pontiff expressed his affection for the Christian community of Nicaragua. Nicaragua and highlighted their fidelity to God and the Church as beacons that illuminate their lives.
Francis began his message by recalling the love that Nicaraguans have for "....Papachú"He acknowledged the challenges faced by the people and invited them to keep the faith. He acknowledged the challenges facing the people and invited them to keep the faith: "Precisely in the most difficult moments, where it becomes humanly impossible to understand what God wants from us, we are called not to doubt his care and mercy".
To be children of the Virgin
The Holy Father highlighted the role of the Virgin Mary as a model of trust and protection. In this sense, he underlined the spiritual richness of the Nicaraguan devotion, reflected in the traditional cry: "Who causes so much joy? The Conception of Mary!", which embodies the dedication and gratitude of a people that recognizes the Virgin as Mother protector.
In preparation for the Jubilee of 2025, Francis encouraged the faithful to find strength in their faith, particularly in the prayer of the Rosary: "By reciting the Rosary, these mysteries pierce the intimacy of our hearts, where the freedom of the daughters and sons of God is sheltered, which no one can take away from us". He emphasized that this practice, besides meditating on the mysteries of Christ and Mary, allows us to integrate our own joys, sorrows and hopes in prayer.
The Pope also made a call to persevere in trusting in God, especially in times of uncertainty. "I want to say it forcefully, the Mother of God does not cease to intercede for you, and we do not cease to ask Jesus to always hold you by his hand," he said, showing his solidarity with the difficulties faced by the nation.
The Virgin and Nicaragua
Concluding his message, Francis reiterated the protection of the Immaculate Conception, underlining the deep connection of the people with Mary through the expression: "Mary of Nicaragua, Nicaragua of Mary".
The pastoral letter ended with a special prayer written for the Jubilee, in which the Pontiff asked God for the peace and graces needed to overcome the current challenges. "May your grace transform us into dedicated cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel... in confident expectation of the new heavens and the new earth," the Pope prayed, encouraging Nicaraguans to keep hope alive.
This message reinforces the importance of faith and devotion in the lives of the people of Nicaragua, reminding them that even in times of greatest adversity, they have God's guidance and the support of the Church. The celebration of the Immaculate Conception, marked by a unique fervor, continues to be a symbol of unity and spiritual strength for the entire nation.
