Do you know which country in the world is the most dangerous place for Catholic priests? The correct answer to that question is dipped in tragic irony, as it is a predominantly Catholic country. Mexico. More than 81 percent of its population are Catholics.
In the last 15 years, more than 50 priests have been killed. Two Jesuit priests, Javier Campos Morales and Joaquin Cesar Mora Salazar, were murdered on 20 June 2022, in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, while attempting to help a man who was pursued by a criminal and so seeking refuge in their church. The murder of priests, pastoral workers, journalists and human rights activists has become part of daily life in Mexico.
In the six-year term of President Felipe Calderón from 2006 to 2012, 17 priests were killed, along with three religious. Under President Enrique Peña Nieto from 2012 to 2018, 26 priests were killed and two more disappeared and are still missing. In almost all the cases, the murders are linked to the infamous drug cartels that are involved in drug trafficking – which is an organized crime.
Fr M.A. Joe Antony, SJ
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