A Christian group has issued a fervent appeal to the Mexican government to safeguard religious leaders after the tragic assassination of a Catholic priest in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, southeastern Mexico.
Fr. Pérez Pérez, a renowned advocate for peace and human rights, was shot and killed after officiating Mass on October 20, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) urged the Mexican authorities last week to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the assassination. In response to the killing, Mexican officials announced the arrest of an individual identified by the Chiapas public prosecutor's office as Edgar “N,” reportedly the “material author” of the crime, as covered by CBS News.
In the weeks leading up to his assassination, Fr. Pérez Pérez actively led a public march for peace and condemned the expanding influence of organized crime in the region. He had received numerous threats for his outspoken stance against drug trafficking and the associated violence plaguing Chiapas. The state is embroiled in a fierce cartel turf war between major factions like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels.
CSW’s Head of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure all individuals responsible for Fr. Pérez Pérez's murder, including those orchestrating crimes from within transnational criminal groups, are brought to justice.
She urged President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Chiapas State Governor Rutilio Escandón Cadenas to implement urgent and coordinated measures to dismantle these criminal organizations and aggressively tackle corruption.
The Mexican Bishops’ Conference mourned the priest's murder, highlighting that his death not only deprived the community of a committed pastor but also silenced a prophetic voice championing peace with truth and justice in Chiapas. The Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas revealed that Fr. Pérez Pérez had endured persistent threats, harassment, and defamation, yet continued to live his faith deeply and serve his people with unwavering love, even at grave personal risk.
Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, who ordained Fr. Pérez Pérez, described him as a man committed to justice and peace among Indigenous peoples, characterized by a prayerful spirit and dedication to his vocation. The Latin American Bishops' Council lauded him as a “tireless seeker of peace and justice for his people,” driven by his steadfast commitment to the Gospel and devotion to Christ present among the suffering.
The United Nations Human Rights Organization in Mexico strongly condemned the assassination. Jesús Peña Palacios, deputy representative, pointed out that since 2015, Fr. Pérez Pérez had been subject to precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights due to constant threats to his life and personal safety linked to his defense of human rights.
“The murder of Father Marcelo is absolutely unacceptable,” Peña stated, underscoring that despite protective measures, they proved inadequate in preventing his death.
Religious leaders in Mexico have long been targets of organized criminal groups, with the country labeled as one of the most perilous in the world for Roman Catholic priests, according to CSW. The ongoing violence has forced thousands to flee, including over 500 villagers from Chiapas seeking refuge in Guatemala, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
As reported by CBS News, Mexico has recorded over 450,000 murders since a controversial military anti-drug operation was initiated in 2006.
