Mexico: Bishops condemn the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez, which occurred after celebrating Mass

Father Marcelo Pérez, from the Mexican diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, was murdered this Sunday by unknown assailants who shot him at the end of Mass, when the priest was leaving to continue his pastoral work.

According The Herald of Chiapasthe crime occurred, he had finished celebrating the Eucharist in the temple in the Cuxtitali neighborhood and was heading to the Guadalupe church, when some guys who were on a motorcycle shot him.

The murder has been condemned by the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) through a statement in which it expresses that this fact “not only deprives the community of a dedicated pastor, but also silences a prophetic voice who tirelessly fought for the peace with truth and justice in the region of Chiapas.”

Marcelo Pérez was a living example of priestly commitment to the most needy and vulnerable in society. His pastoral work, characterized by his closeness to the people and his constant support to those who needed it most, leaves a legacy of love and service that will last in the hearts of all those whom he touched with his ministry,” expresses the Episcopate.

In its statement, the CEM also expresses its “solidarity and spiritual closeness” to the Bishop of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mons. Rodrigo Aguilar Martínez, and to the local Catholic community.

Likewise, it demands that the authorities carry out “an exhaustive and transparent investigation that leads to the clarification of this crime and justice for Father Marcelo Pérez”, implement “effective measures to guarantee the safety of priests and pastoral agents” and redouble “the efforts to combat the violence and impunity that afflict the Chiapas region” and the country in general.