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Mexican Priest Slain on Eve of Independence Day
Confirmed
In Short: A Mexican priest was murdered on the eve of Independence Day, highlighting the ongoing violence against clergy.
A Mexican priest was found dead with gunshot wounds on the eve of Independence Day celebrations, according to reports. The attack occurred two days after a march for peace was held in another part of the country.
The Catholic Multimedia Center, which tracks violence against the Church in Mexico, reported that four priests have been killed since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office on Oct. 1, 2024. This latest incident underscores the dangerous environment for clergy in the country.
The local bishop urged people not to speculate about the crime and denounced the ongoing violence. The Mexican Bishops’ Conference expressed its indignation and sadness over the crime, offering solidarity to the Diocese of Huejutla, Hidalgo, where the priest served.
Violence has plagued Mexico since late 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderón launched a crackdown on drug cartels, leading to clashes with authorities and battles over crime territories. More than 460,000 homicides have been recorded over the past 20 years, with at least 134,000 Mexicans still missing.
A source close to the case told that a suspect confessed to killing the priest and may be linked to the arson attack on the Nantes cathedral in July 2020. The suspect, Emmanuel Abayisenga, was also identified as the main suspect in the Nantes cathedral fire.
Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, who ordained the slain priest, described him as a man committed to justice and peace among Indigenous peoples, highlighting the dedication of those who continue to serve despite the risks.
What's confirmed
- Four priests have been killed since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office on Oct. 1, 2024, according to the Catholic Multimedia Center, which tracks violence against the Church in Mexico.
- The priest was found dead with gunshot wounds along a stretch of highway.
- The local bishop urged people not to speculate about the crime and denounced the ongoing violence in the country.
- In a Sept. 16 statement, the Mexican Bishops’ Conference (CEM, by its Spanish acronym) expressed its indignation and sadness over the crime as well as its solidarity with the Diocese of Huejutla, Hidalgo, to which De la Cruz belonged According to the bishops' conference, the priest’s murder took place on Sept. 15.
What's still developing
- N+ reported the attack on Father de la Cruz occurred at the same time as Mexicans traditionally celebrate the country’s independence from Spanish rule.
- The newspaper El Sol de Hidalgo reported in August that priests in the Diocese of Huejutla had their mobile phones hacked and calls from their numbers were being made to request donations and extort Catholics.