The Bishops’ Conference of Ecuador has issued a statement condemning the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, which took place after a rally on Wednesday August 9.
Newsroom (15/08/2023 15:00, Gaudium Press) In a brief statement, the presidential council of the Episcopal Conference of Ecuador expresses solidarity with the family of the country’s presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, who was assassinated while leaving a political rally.
Next Sunday, August 20, presidential elections will be held in the country, which are already stained with blood.
Ecuador’s current president, Guillermo Lasso, expressed his condolences to Villavicencio’s relatives on his official Twitter account. “For his memory and his struggle, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished,” he said.
He also decreed 3 days of national mourning and a state of emergency for 60 days.
Here is the Bishops’ statement:
“The Bishops of the Catholic Church, in light of the violent murder of the candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, Fernando Villavicencio, express our deep solidarity with his family, as well as condemn all forms of violence unleashed at different levels of society.
We join the initiatives to restore social security in our beloved country, while ratifying our firm commitment to pray and work for peace based on freedom, justice and truth.
Council of the Presidency
Quito, August 9, 2023″
Compiled by Florence MacDonald
