Archbishop of Managua: Dialogue is difficult but it’s the only road to peace and reconciliation

Managua, Nicaragua, Jun 20, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes of Managua, Nicaragua, said this week that dialogue on the country’s problems is not easy, but it is the path that authorities must follow in order to achieve peace, reconciliation and development.

The archbishop exhorted the faithful to pray that those in leadership positions would come together in common solutions for the well being of Nicaragua.

“Everyone, bishops and we Catholics, must continue to pray that Nicaraguans will understand one another and achieve the fruits of peace and reconciliation,” he said.

Archbishop Brenes recalled that the country has faced various conflicts and that its history shows that in the beginning the parties involved refuse to dialogue, but “they end up talking to each other and all the problems get solved.”

“I am hopeful and I trust that our leaders, who are men of experience in resolving these problems, are going to find a solution,” he said.

The archbishop noted as well that politicians have been elected by the people and that this implies a responsibility for which they will have to render an account.  Politics is a form of public service, he added, but problems start when there is a conflict of interests.