By Ismael Lopez
MANAGUA (Reuters) – As Nicaraguan Catholics prepare for Easter Sunday, a government crackdown on critics means Holy Week celebrations will mostly take place behind closed doors as ties between the influential church and President Daniel Ortega remain deeply strained.
The government banned Holy Week street processions this year due to unspecified security concerns, after suspending ties with the Vatican last month following comments by Pope Francis describing Ortega’s government as a “crude dictatorship.”
Ortega’s tough stance on the church has been met by a mix of fear and determination among the Central American nation’s Catholics.
“What’s most important is to live our faith,” said Maria Flores, who noted that the canceled street procession this Friday – when Christians worldwide mark the crucifixion of Jesus – will be the first time in over four decades she will miss it.
“I’ll…
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