Mexico: Two priests kidnapped and killed

Two young priests were kidnapped and killed in Veracruz State, Mexico, on Sunday. In a statement the Mexican diocese of Papantla confirmed the violent death of Father Alejo Nabor Jiménez Juárez and Father José Alfredo Suárez de la Cruz.

An initial report from the Office of the Attorney General of Veracruz state indicates that the two priests were kidnapped last Sunday evening, September 18, from the parish of Nuestra Senora de Fatima, in the extreme outskirts of the city of Poza Rica, in the northern part of the Veracruz state. Their lifeless bodies were found on Monday morning, September 19, at the side of the road that connects Papantla to Poza Rica. Another parishioner, who worked as a sacristan and driver, was also kidnapped, was found alive.

The area where the kidnapping took place has been the scene of violent clashes between drug cartels for years, but it is still not clear why the two priests were killed.

Mgr José Trinidad Zapata Ortiz, Bishop of Papantla said in the official statement: "We are dismayed by this news and we pray for their eternal rest. Once more we see that violence and insecurity have taken root in our society."

The Bishop said he hopes that the loss of the two priests will help bring long-awaited peace and priestly vocations to continue the evangelizing mission of the Church.

"We condemn all forms of violence and pray for the conversion of those who forget that we are brothers and cause suffering and death" wrote Mgr Zapata Ortiz. "The path of violence and crime generates even more violence. God does not want death, neither violence nor injustice. God wants life, God wants everyone to live in justice, dignity and peace."

Source: Fides/diocese of Papantla