Advertisement New WaysNew Ways Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Columbian archbishop shot dead


Archbishop Isaias Duarte Cancino was shot dead on Saturday evening by unknown gunmen in the city of Cali. The 63 year-old archbishop was was gunned down outside the Buen Pastor church where he had just conducted a marriage ceremony. The killing came nearly a month after peace talks with the rebels broke down on 20 February. At least 21 members of the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been killed in recent weeks, a cache of more than seven tonnes of cocaine has been destroyed. The Archbishop was an outspoken critic of the rebels, the drug barons and politicians who supported them. He frequently condemned the FARC, as well as a smaller left-wing group, the National Liberation Army (ELN). In 1999, he ex-communicated a number of ELN members after they kidnapped 150 worshippers from a church in Cali in 1999. The archbishop's private secretary said that Monsignor Duarte had often asked for police protection, most recently on the day he was shot, but his requests were denied. Soon after his murder, a major generator failure cut off power to Colombia's three main cities, Bogota, Medellin and Cali. It was not clear if the blackout was the result of sabotage.

Adverts

The Archbishop Romero Trust

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon