Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano is a Nicaraguan prelate who has been at the center of efforts to mediate conflicts and promote peace in Nicaragua in the face of clashes between the Church and state.

Born in Ticuantepe, in the archdiocese of Managua, on March 7, 1949, he began his religious journey at a young age, entering the seminary at 16 after attending Catholic primary and secondary schools.

He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the national seminary in Managua and in the council seminary of the archdiocese of México. He then earned his baccalaureate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University and licentiate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

His ecclesiastical career has been marked by steady progression and significant appointments within the Church hierarchy.

Brenes Solórzano was ordained as an auxiliary bishop in Managua in 1988, serving in this role until 1991. He then became the Bishop of Matagalpa from 1991 to 2005, before being appointed as the Archbishop of Managua in 2005, a position he continues to hold. His leadership and dedication to the Church were further recognized when Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal in 2014.

Throughout his career, Cardinal Brenes has taken on several important leadership roles within the Nicaraguan Catholic Church. He served as the president of the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua from 2005 to 2011 and was re-elected to this position in November 2014. This role has allowed him to guide the Church’s response to various national issues and represent the Nicaraguan Catholic community on both national and international stages.

Cardinal Brenes has been at the forefront of the Church’s efforts during challenging times in Nicaragua. In recent years, he has faced significant challenges due to the sociopolitical crisis in the country. In 2024, he ordained nine new priests amidst one of the worst waves of persecution against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua. This act demonstrated his commitment to the Church’s mission despite difficult circumstances.

The Latin American cardinal has also been involved in efforts to mediate conflicts and promote peace in Nicaragua. In 2018, he was part of a group of bishops who attempted to free protesters who had taken refuge in a church, highlighting his role in addressing the country’s political tensions.

The relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nicaraguan government has been strained in recent years, with Cardinal Brenes often finding himself at the center of these tensions. In May 2023, the Nicaraguan National Police accused the Catholic Church of various crimes, including money laundering, putting Church leaders like Cardinal Brenes in a difficult position.

Despite these challenges, Cardinal Brenes has continued to advocate for justice and peace. He has encouraged the faithful to pray for peace in Nicaragua and has called for dialogue with victims of the sociopolitical crisis. His leadership during these turbulent times has been crucial for the Catholic community in Nicaragua.

During his tenure as archbishop of Managua, priestly vocations have risen from 158 just before he took office to 253 in 2021. Male religious have risen slightly, from 107 to 113, but female religious vocations have sharply declined from 565 to 270.

Apart from his native Spanish, it is unclear if he speaks any other languages.