Pope pleads for Nicaragua violence to end

ROME: Pope Francis on Sunday called for an end to the violence which has engulfed Nicaragua following anti-government protests that have seen 11 killed, including a journalist.

The protests erupted in Nicaragua on Wednesday over a proposed pension reform, with violent demonstrations rocking cities across the Central American country. Francis called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

"I’m worried about what’s been happening in the last few days in Nicaragua, where after a social protest there were battles that have caused deaths," the pontiff said during the Regina Coeli service at St Peter’s Square on Sunday.

"I express my solidarity with the country, and I join bishops in asking that the violence end, pointless spilling of blood is avoided and the underlying issues be resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility."

Nicaraguans have taken to the streets over a proposed change to the pension system that would see workers and employers pay more toward the retirement system. The reform designed by Daniel Ortega’s government is aimed at settling a $76 million deficit faced by the country’s social security institute.