The auxiliary bishop of Nicaragua's capital, a vocal critic of the government of President Daniel Ortega, urged Nicaraguans to "fight for freedom" Sunday, in a final message before being transferred to Rome at the request of Pope Francis. Silvio Báez drew parallels between the trials of Jesus Christ and the struggle of opposition groups in Nicaragua. The bishop participated as a mediator in the short-lived first round of dialogue between the government and opposition last year. Ortega, who had invited the church to mediate, later blasted the bishops, accusing them of being coup plotters. When another round of talks was attempted this year, Báez was not invited to participate.

Source: ABC News April 14, 2019 20:34 UTC