Claudia Sheinbaum
Violence against religious leaders in Mexico is on the rise. This troubling trend has been highlighted by multiple reports showing an alarming increase in attacks on priests and other religious figures. The Catholic Multimedia Centre (CCM) has recently shed light on the dangerous conditions faced by clergy members in Mexico. The report highlights the urgent need for action from the government, especially under the new leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Alarming Statistics
The report from CCM reveals startling figures. Over the past six years, during the presidency of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, ten Roman Catholic priests and one seminary student were murdered. In addition to those killed, seven bishops and seven other priests suffered brutal attacks but managed to survive. These incidents point to the severe risks that religious leaders encounter. Furthermore, nearly 900 cases of extortion and threats against clergy members were documented during Obrador’s presidency. Such statistics indicate a pervasive climate of fear among many in the religious community.
Recent Tragedy
Under President Sheinbaum’s leadership, violence against clergy continues unabated. One recent tragedy involved Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez. He was gunned down after officiating Mass in San Cristobal de las Casas. This incident adds to the growing list of violent acts against religious figures. It has prompted urgent calls for Sheinbaum’s administration to take meaningful action. Citizens and organizations are calling on her to address the issue of impunity and protect religious leaders who risk their lives for their communities.
Voices of Concern
Guillermo Gazanini Espinoza, Head of Information at the CCM, and Father Sergio Omar Sotelo Aguilar, director of the CCM, emphasized the seriousness of Father Pérez’s assassination. They stated it was not a random act of violence. “His assassination was calculated, showing that his work in human rights and pastoral actions were a direct challenge to those who ended his life,” they noted.
A Broader Issue
The violence against religious leaders is closely tied to the influence of organized crime in Mexico. Many clergy members, especially those serving in marginalized communities, face extortion, violent threats, and attacks. Unfortunately, fear prevents many from reporting these incidents. This silence perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing violence to continue unchecked.
Advocacy for Change
Pablo Vargas, the National Director of Impulso18, spoke at the report’s launch. He expressed his deep concerns about the findings and their implications. Vargas mentioned that religious leaders who speak out against corruption or advocate for human rights are often viewed as threats by criminal organizations. He emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Religious leaders, particularly those standing up for the marginalized, are too often targeted for elimination.” Vargas urged President Sheinbaum to prioritize the protection of these vulnerable individuals. He called for collaboration between the federal government and state governments to end the prevailing culture of impunity.
A Longstanding Problem
The issue of violence against religious leaders in Mexico is not new. The CCM has documented trends related to this violence for nearly 35 years. Anna Lee Stangl, Director of Advocacy at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), shared her concerns about the lack of progress over the past three presidential administrations. She remarked, “The situation is deeply worrying, as attacks on priests and religious leaders have remained consistently high.” Stangl emphasized the need for effective action to protect clergy members and ensure their safety.
A Call to Action
As violence continues to escalate, religious leaders and human rights organizations are uniting in their demands for change. They are calling on the Mexican government to strengthen its commitment to protecting clergy members. Special attention is needed for those working within vulnerable communities or advocating for social justice. The ongoing violence against these figures highlights the broader challenges of combating organized crime and restoring the rule of law in various regions of Mexico.
