Religious and associations condemn the murder of Marcelo Pérez

Mexico City. Father Marcelo Pérez was a living example of priestly commitment to the most needy and vulnerable in society. He distinguished himself for his closeness to the people and support for those who needed it most, stated the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) when learning about the murder of the priest that occurred this morning in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.

The Society of Jesus also remembered him as a symbol of resistance and accompaniment for the communities of Chiapas for decades, in the defense of their dignity, the rights of the people and the construction of true peace.

His commitment to justice and solidarity made Marcelo Pérez a reference for those who long for a future without violence or oppression, said the organization that also expressed its condemnation for the crime that occurred today when the prelate was heading to the temple of Guadalupe. , after celebrating mass in the Cuxtitali neighborhood.

The Jesuits immediately rejected any attempt to minimize these events as isolated cases. “Organized crime has spread fear and pain in various regions of the country, and Chiapas is no exception. The violence in this region reflects a structural problem that demands a comprehensive and urgent response from the State,” they maintained.

He also pointed out the need for the demands of the Pantelhó community to be met and the will of the authorities legitimately elected by the population to be respected. Only in this way will it be possible to achieve peace in the region, they warned.

The CEM and the Jesuits demanded that the authorities carry out an exhaustive investigation to find those responsible for the crime and provide justice for Father Marcelo Pérez.

The hierarchy of the Catholic Church demanded the application of effective measures to guarantee the safety of priests and pastoral agents who, like Father Marcelo, dedicate their lives to serving those most in need, especially in high-risk areas.

Furthermore, efforts must be redoubled to combat the violence and impunity present in Chiapas and the rest of the country.

The Miguel Agustín Pro Human Rights Center joined in condemning the murder of the priest, who “always walked with the poorest, as a true pastor and defender of human rights. He had denounced the growing violence in Chiapas, irresponsibly minimized by governments. In response, he received threats and attempts at criminalization.”