Chile: Priest recovers after being stabbed in robbery at his parish

The Archbishopric of Santiago de Chile reported that Father Eduardo Rodríguez Yunta, who was injured during an assault in the Nuestra Señora del Carmen parish, in the commune of Quilicura, was discharged from hospital and is recovering favorably.

According to the portal BioBiothe attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 25 in the context of a robbery. Apparently, the perpetrator would have been a homeless person who used to frequent the temple in search of food.

The priest was stabbed in the abdomen and one of his shoulders, and the attacker then left the scene taking, among other things, a computer.

Father Rodríguez Yunta was transferred to the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University, where this Tuesday he was discharged and will continue his recovery in a place of rest, the archdiocese stated.

Mayor Paulina Bobadilla told BioBio that the priest “had an attack from a person he knew, unfortunately it was not the first time.”

“They were people who were fed, he constantly gave them help… Unfortunately, on many occasions they were fed and he himself paid them in this way,” he reflected.

The local authority explained that the priest “had already been attacked on one occasion (and) did not want to file a complaint.” From the archbishopric they affirmed that they are already preparing the corresponding legal actions.

Since what happened became known, the community of the Nuestra Señora del Carmen parish has been permanently accompanying its parish priest with its presence, prayers and solidarity.

“As the Church of Santiago we continue to pray for the recovery of the father, for the community and for all people in vulnerable situations who require love and attention from us every day,” concludes the statement signed by the Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar. General of Santiago, Mons. Alberto Lorenzelli Rossi.