Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes has revealed that Pope Leo XIV asked him to remain at the head of the Archdiocese of Managua, despite having submitted his resignation due to age, following a private one-hour audience held at the Vatican on June 29.
According to what he reported during the Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood of Christ at the Managua Cathedral, it was Pope Leo XIV himself who personally summoned him.
“Ah, then carry on”
Brenes explained that the Pontiff began by inquiring about his health, and upon learning that he only had a cold, replied: “Ah, then carry on.”
The cardinal interpreted those words as confirmation that he should continue leading the Archdiocese of Managua, despite having submitted his resignation upon turning 75, in accordance with canon law.
“Last Sunday he called me and said: ‘Tomorrow the 29th at five in the afternoon I’ll be waiting for you in my office.’ We talked for an hour,” recounted the prelate, describing the audience as “a great and beautiful gesture” from the Holy Father.
No mention of the detained bishop
The meeting took place at a time of particular tension for the Nicaraguan Church. Brenes did not mention that during the conversation the situation of Msgr. Juan Abelardo Mata—detained since June 29— was addressed, nor the ongoing persecution the Church continues to suffer under the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
The silence is especially significant because just days after the audience, the bishop emeritus of Estelí was detained for a second time after publicly calling for prayers for the persecuted Church in Nicaragua. He remained incommunicado for nearly three days; his release is now being speculated, but the information cannot be confirmed due to censorship.
In recent days, expressions of concern have grown both inside and outside the country, while U.S. Senator Rick Scott publicly called for his release.
A call to pray for the unity of the Church
Instead, Brenes did take the opportunity to ask for prayers for Leo XIV and for ecclesial unity.
“Let us pray for the Pope,” he urged, lamenting that divisions cause suffering in the Church.
“It is sad for a father when a son leaves home,” he said, before warning that pride and a sense of superiority ultimately break communion among the faithful.