.- The government of Nicaragua has issued an official apology to Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo, Archbishop of Managua, after prison authorities refused to allow the Cardinal to visit the incarcerated former president Arnoldo Aleman.
“I have apologized to his Eminence for the serious situation which took place at the Penitentiary, for which we assume complete responsibility, and starting now we will reach out more to the Church, regardless of who has made mistakes,” said government official Julio Vega, after meeting with the Cardinal.
Cardinal Obando accepted the apology of the government and offered a Mass on Sunday to pray for peace and reconciliation in the country.
Vega said Cardinal Obando can “visit the Penitentiary whenever he wishes.”
He also announced the government will seek to grant all ministers of the Catholic Church—bishops, priests, religious, and lay ministers—free access to the Penitentiary System.
