For critics of the first Latin American pope, Francis’ recent expression of concern about the crackdown on Catholics in Nicaragua was too little too late.

At his Sunday noon remarks, Pope Francis described his worry and sorrow for events in Nicaragua. Police have detained several Catholic clergy in the country.

Nicaraguan police burst into Matagalpa diocesan headquarters and removed an outspoken bishop who had been under house arrest for more than two weeks.

Though family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border has been a much-debated topic in recent years, children in Central America have long faced extended periods away from their migrant parents.

For five years, the government and church of Nicaragua have been at odds over protests and state corruption.

Bishop Álvarez, facing the threat of incarceration, maintains a message of love and hope.