In the past three years, seven Catholic priests have been murdered in Mexico.
Newsroom (07/07/2022 09:00, Gaudium Press) Omar Sotelo, director of the Catholic Multimedial Center (CCM), has said that “Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in which to exercise the priesthood.” The CCM is dedicated to following up on cases of violence or attacks against clerics.
In the past three years, seven Catholic priests have been murdered in Mexico. Most of the murders against clerics have occurred for the same reason: exercising the pastoral office to protect their community and to speak out against organized crime in the country.
Pontifical Foundation and Jesuits denounce violations of religious freedom
Through a report entitled “Religious Freedom in the World, 2021″, the Pontifical Foundation “Aid to the Church in Need” has spoken out against the sad events involving Catholic clerics, and denounced violations of religious freedom.
Among the victims are Jesuit priests, and for this reason, the Society of Jesus in Mexico also denounced the murders of priests in the country and called for justice. “The Jesuits in Mexico will not remain silent before the reality that is tearing society apart. We will continue to be present and working for the mission of justice, reconciliation and peace, through our pastoral, educational and social works,” in an excerpt from the communiqué.
Mexican Bishops’ Conference and Pope Francis offer prayers for Mexico
The Mexican Bishops’ Conference pronounced that it joins “in prayer with the Society of Jesus; in the midst of so much death and crime in the country, we publicly condemn this tragedy and demand a prompt investigation and security for the community and all priests in the country.”
Even Pope Francis has addressed the issue recently. On 22 June, the Holy Father lamented the sad situation that the Catholic Church in Mexico finds itself and confessed to being saddened and dismayed by the numerous cases of violence experienced in the country. Offering his prayers, the Pontiff stressed that, “Violence never solves problems, it only increases useless suffering.”
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
