World Jesuit leader condemns government closure of Nicaragua university

A guard mans the access to the Jesuit Central American University (UCA) in Managua, Nicaragua August 16, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

ROME (Reuters) - The superior general of the worldwide Jesuit religious order has condemned the closure of the order's university in Nicaragua as part of a government attempt to "suffocate" the Catholic Church and other civic institutions in the Central American country.

In a letter sent to the order's Central American leader, Father Arturo Sosa said the government's accusations against the prestigious university were "totally false" and part of a wider government program of "slander" against those defending freedom. The letter was sent late on Thursday night and reviewed by Reuters.