VATICAN CITY.- This Sunday, the papa Francisco lamented the murder in Mexico of the priest Marcelo Pérez Pérezfrequent complainant of the organized crime violenceafter celebrating mass in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.
“I join the beloved church of San Cristobal de las Casasin the Mexican State of Chiapas, which mourns the murder of priest Marcelo Pérez Pérez last Sunday,” said the Supreme Pontiff after the angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
The holy father remembered the priest as a “fervent servant of the Gospel and the faithful people of God.”
“May his sacrifice, like that of other priests murdered for fidelity to the ministry, always be one of peace and Christian life,” he added.
Vatican City (Vatican City State (holy See)), 27/10/2024.- Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his office overlooking Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City, 27 October 2024. (Papa) EFE/EPA/FABIO FRUSTACI
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Vatican City (Vatican City State (holy See)), 27/10/2024.- Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his office overlooking Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City, 27 October 2024. (Papa) EFE/EPA/FABIO FRUSTACI
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Priest shot to death
Father Marcelo, indigenous zotzil y defender of indigenous peoples what denounced the violence of organized crimeor, it was shot to death while he was in his car in the Cuxtitali neighborhood, a homicide committed after he said mass and in view of a dozen passersby.
“I join the beloved church of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in the Mexican State of #Chiapas who mourns the murder of the priest Marcelo Pérez Pérez.” @Pontifex_es pic.twitter.com/dZZQHOmiuu
— CEM (@IglesiaMexico) October 29, 2024
The murder aroused condemnation from the Catholic Church and international organizations such as the Mexico Office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations for Human Rights (UN-DH), which has documented at least 134 homicides of human rights defenders since 2017 in Mexico, with at least seven murders so far in 2024.
On October 22, the Chiapas Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of the alleged murderer.
You might also be interested: “Claudia Sheinbaum, with violent beginning of government in Mexico: drug trafficking and murders”
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**Interview with Religious Affairs Expert Dr. Ana Maria Ortiz on Pope Francis’ Condemnation of Violence Against Clergy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ortiz. Pope Francis recently expressed his sorrow over the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez in Chiapas, Mexico. Could you share your thoughts on the Pope’s statement and its significance?
**Dr. Ortiz:** Thank you for having me. Pope Francis’ remarks are significant as they not only honor Father Marcelo as a dedicated servant of God but also highlight the alarming trend of violence against clergy, especially in regions plagued by organized crime. His emphasis on peace and the call for justice resonate deeply, particularly within communities suffering from such violence.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Father Marcelo was known for speaking out against organized crime and defending indigenous peoples. How does this context add to the tragedy of his murder?
**Dr. Ortiz:** Father Marcelo’s role as an advocate for indigenous rights makes his death even more poignant. By standing up against the injustices faced by these communities, he embodied the mission of the Church to care for the marginalized. His murder showcases the perilous environment religious leaders often face when they challenge systemic injustices, feeling compelled to confront powerful, violent actors.
**Interviewer:** The Pope mentioned that Father Marcelo’s sacrifice “should always be one of peace and Christian life.” What do you believe this suggests for future clerical actions in similar contexts?
**Dr. Ortiz:** It suggests that the Church must continue to advocate for peace and justice, even in dangerous situations. The Pope’s framing makes it clear that the Church should not retreat into silence despite the risks involved. Instead, clergy and laypeople alike are called to imitate their fallen brothers and sisters by promoting the values they stood for, reinforcing their commitments to social justice and peace.
**Interviewer:** In the wake of such violence, what steps can the Church take both locally and globally to protect its clergy?
**Dr. Ortiz:** Locally, the Church needs to ensure that clergy are supported, provided with security measures, and that they can operate within safer environments. Globally, there should be a stronger coalition built among religious organizations to advocate for legislative change, highlighting the need for protection against violence aimed at religious figures. Raising awareness on platforms like the United Nations could also be pivotal in ensuring that these issues receive international attention.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ortiz, for your insights. It’s essential to keep this conversation alive to promote awareness and protective measures for those advocating for peace and justice.
**Dr. Ortiz:** Thank you for bringing attention to these important issues. Let’s hope for a future where such violence is lessened and communities can thrive in peace.
