MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, Nicaragua's former foreign minister and ex-president of the U.N. General Assembly, has died. He was 84 and had suffered a stroke several months earlier.
Vice-President Rosario Murillo, wife of President Daniel Ortega, said D'Escoto Brockmann died "unexpectedly" on Thursday.
He was born in the United States to a Nicaraguan diplomat who served in the administration of dictator Anastasio Somoza Garcia. Later, after being ordained a priest and adopting liberation theology, he joined the Sandinista guerrilla movement that would eventually topple the Somoza dynasty.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II declared that D'Escoto Brockmann and three other priests could not celebrate Mass because of their government activities.
After Ortega returned to power in 2007, he sent D'Escoto Brockmann to New York to be Nicaragua's representative before the United Nations. He served as the General Assembly president in 2008 and 2009.
Pope Francis lifted the suspension, permitting D'Escoto Brockmann to celebrate Mass, in 2014.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.