Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Nicaraguan government has revoked the legal status of over 25 Catholic organizations, including religious orders such as the Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians. This action is part of a broader crackdown on civil society that has resulted in the closure of 1,500 nongovernmental organizations.

Announced on August 19 by the Interior Ministry, the closures affected a range of religious and civic groups, from Protestant churches to agricultural producer associations and even the National Chess Federation. A source familiar with Nicaragua described these actions as “an extraordinary effort by the Nicaraguan State to crush nongovernmental organizations across Nicaraguan society.”

President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo's regime has been closing civic spaces and attacking freedom of worship. Since 2018, at least 5,000 NGOs have been shut down, and independent media silenced following protests demanding Ortega’s ouster.

The recent closures particularly targeted evangelical congregations described as modest by independent media. Catholic organizations were also significantly impacted. Among those canceled were the Capuchin Friars Minor, Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, Augustinian monks and nuns, Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz, Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappist Sisters), Brothers of Charity, Association of Salesian Cooperators, Association of Salesian Women, Lumen Christi Catechist Missionaries, Saint Pio Foundation, and Association of Base Christian Communities.

The Caritas chapter in the Diocese of Granada was also shut down following a similar closure in Matagalpa on August 12. The targeting of Caritas chapters is seen as an attempt by the regime to control services provided to citizens.

The Interior Ministry claimed that these NGO groups failed to report their finances properly for periods ranging from one to 35 years and hindered governmental oversight. The state effectively seizes assets from these groups once their legal standing is revoked.

An August 19 statement from Centro de Asistencia Legal Interamericano en Derechos Humanos described evangelical churches as “the last places where Nicaraguans can freely meet.” Human rights group Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más reported that at least 21 evangelical pastors have been exiled while three were denied reentry into Nicaragua. The group counted around 420 Christian organizations whose legal statuses were canceled.

Evangelical congregations had previously avoided much scrutiny but are now facing increased pressure. Catholic Churches have long faced surveillance with priests having to be cautious during homilies. Expressions of faith have been restricted with Catholic media outlets shuttered and church activities halted outside church property.

Exiled lawyer Martha Patricia Molina tracks aggressions against the Nicaraguan Catholic Church and has documented nearly 9,700 attempts at thwarting religious activities since April 2018. Her latest report noted that since then almost 250 members of the Catholic Church have been forced out or denied reentry into Nicaragua.

At least 14 lay Catholics are currently imprisoned for religious reasons according to Molina’s statements to Confidencial news outlet. Dioceses like Matagalpa and Estelí have lost significant numbers of clergy due to these actions.

Molina highlighted that laity are assuming roles traditionally held by priests due to shortages: “Because there are no priests in the area, it’s the laity who are assuming certain roles.”

Two more priests were exiled recently; Fathers Leonel Balmaceda and Denis Martínez were sent to Rome on August 17 according to independent media reports.

The Society of Jesus issued a statement marking one year since its Central American University was confiscated and reopened under Sandinista alignment. They called for an end to repression and systemic human rights violations while urging dialogue based on truth and justice.