The Catholic Church warns about the disappearance of children in Morelos, Mexico

The Catholic Church has issued an alert to parents, priests and catechists to “take all necessary security measures” following recent reports of the disappearance of minors and the confirmation of a gang dedicated to child theft.

In a circular dated September 17, Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, Bishop of Cuernavaca, reported that “There have been reports of the disappearance of minors, and the media have reported the existence of a gang dedicated to the theft of children, corroborated by the authorities.”

One of the most recent cases is that of Joshua, a baby stolen in Cuautla, Morelos, on July 2, 2024. According to the local media The Day, The minor was rescued on September 17 in a joint operation carried out by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) in Chiapas, along with other minors.

The FGR reported On September 17, five people were arrested in relation to this case and three were linked to criminal proceedings for their alleged participation in a child trafficking network.

According to figures from the Ministry of the Interior, Since the beginning of Cuauhtémoc Blanco Bravo’s mandate as governor of Morelos, on October 1, 2018, 379 disappearances of minors have been recorded in the state, mostly girls.

Mons. Castro Castro called to reinforce security in “all catechetical centers,” urging that “in the event of the slightest suspicion, the municipal authorities be informed.” The prelate highlighted the importance of assuming “together the responsibility of caring for our children.”

Mons. Castro Castro urged the Catholic faithful to pray so that this situation “that worries us at the moment, is transformed into an environment of security” in order to guarantee well-being and harmony.