Text transcribed from caption: C-46580 PRELATES SERVE AS MEDIATORS WITH GUERRILLAS MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Holding a briefcase believed to contain ransom money, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Papal Nuncio to Nicaragua, prepares to enter the house where leftist Nicaraguan guerrillas were holding hostages. He and Archbishop Miguel Obando Bravo, S.D.B., of Managua (right, obscured by soldier), who had figured prominently in negotiations between the guerrillas and the Nicaraguan government, were part of a four-man team of volunteers used to guarantee the safe arrival in Cuba of eight guerrillas and 14 freed political prisoners. The guerrillas, members of the Sandinista Liberation Front, shot their way into a party honoring U.S. Ambassador Turner Shelton, killing the host and three guards posted outside. They threatened to kill the hostages, one by one, beginning on New Year’s Day, if their demands for $5 million ransom and the release of 18 political prisoners were not met. Archbishop Obando Bravo acted as go-between and managed to secure the release of 24 of the hostages. The government paid a $1 million ransom and released 14 political prisoners in exchange for the remaining 13 hostages. The two prelates along with the Mexican and Spanish ambassadors, then flew to Cuba with the guerrillas and freed prisoners. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (A-MAN-12D-74-DS)