By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/pope-calls-for-peace-amid-nicaragua-protests Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pope calls for peace amid Nicaragua protests World Apr 22, 2018 11:29 AM EDT MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Pope Francis has expressed deep worry over deadly violence in Nicaragua fueled by protests and he’s pressing for a peaceful solution. Human rights advocates say that since April 18 at least 26 people have been killed in unrest over social security reforms planned by President Daniel Ortega’s government. Dozens have been injured or arrested. Francis told people in St. Peter’s Square that he’s “very worried” about the situation in the Central American country. A demonstrator fires a homemade mortar towards riot police during a protest over a controversial reform to the pension plans of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) in Managua, Nicaragua April 21, 2018. Photo By Oswaldo Rivas/Reuters He said he’s expressing “closeness in prayer to that beloved country” and joining local bishops in seeking an end to “every violence, that useless bloodshed is avoided and that open issues are resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility.” Ortega says his government is willing to enter into talks over the dispute. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Pope Francis has expressed deep worry over deadly violence in Nicaragua fueled by protests and he’s pressing for a peaceful solution. Human rights advocates say that since April 18 at least 26 people have been killed in unrest over social security reforms planned by President Daniel Ortega’s government. Dozens have been injured or arrested. Francis told people in St. Peter’s Square that he’s “very worried” about the situation in the Central American country. A demonstrator fires a homemade mortar towards riot police during a protest over a controversial reform to the pension plans of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) in Managua, Nicaragua April 21, 2018. Photo By Oswaldo Rivas/Reuters He said he’s expressing “closeness in prayer to that beloved country” and joining local bishops in seeking an end to “every violence, that useless bloodshed is avoided and that open issues are resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility.” Ortega says his government is willing to enter into talks over the dispute. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now