Report: 80 priests murdered in Mexico over the past three decades

A report from the Catholic Multimedia Center reveals that in Mexico, nearly 80 priests have been murdered since 1990, an alarming figure that highlights the increasing violence towards the members of the Church. The director of the organization, Father Omar Sotelo Aguilar, reported that this violence affects all sectors of society and has reached unprecedented levels. Between 2018 and 2024, under the presidency ofAndrés Manuel López Obrador, the total number of homicides exploded, reaching 199,621 death. Statistics show that during this mandate, 10 priests were killed, while others suffered attacks and threats. The report also highlights that churches have become frequent targets of organized crime and extortion, adding a new level of concern for the country’s religious leaders.

An alarming report reveals that since 1990, nearly 80 priests were assassinated in Mexico, marking a period of unprecedented and worrying violence for the Catholic Church. The Catholic Multimedia Center (CCM) published these figures to highlight the persistent threat facing religious representatives in a country where violence continues to increase. Through poignant testimonies and data analysis, we delve into the tragic reality of priests in Mexico facing increasing violence.

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A context of increased violence

The director of the CCM, Father Omar Sotelo Aguilar, stressed during a press conference that the situation in Mexico is now unprecedented. The violence has affected all levels of society, making the work of priests not only difficult but often deadly. Between 2018 and 2024, under the mandate of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, homicides reached a record high, with nearly 200,000 murders documented.

The worrying figures

In recent years, statistics show an increase in violence directed against members of the Church. The CCM report indicates that during the presidency of López Obrador, ten priests were killed, while fourteen other priests and bishops were victims of attacks. On average, 26 churches are attacked every week, and nearly 900 cases extortion and death threats were recorded.

Prominent personalities among the victims

Among the notable tragic murders, that of Cardinal Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo in 1993 remains emblematic. Shot dead at the Guadalajara airport, his assassination has never been elucidated, fueling conspiracy theories involving state actors. Other priests, such as Father Ícmar Arturo Orta Llamas, have also lost their lives in surreal and tragic circumstances, a testament to the real dangers faced by those who wear the religious habit.

Systematic violence and corruption

The report also discusses the complex dynamics of corruption and the “impunity” that weighs on Mexican society. Security systems often fail, leaving many communities at the mercy of drug cartels. THE pastors, lay people and other religious ministers are forced to assume responsibilities that the state should normally take. This raises essential questions about the role of the Church in a context where violence seems to reign supreme.

The impact on seminarians and young religious

The threat is not limited to consecrated priests; even the seniors are not spared. In 2022, a seminarian was shot dead during an attempted robbery, undermining the notion that only famous figures in the Church are at risk. The climate of fear and insecurity now extends to all layers of the religious organization.

Churches as targets

Churches themselves face a relentless cycle of attacks. According to the report, approximately 26 sacred sites are desecrated every week, ranging from theft of sacred art to outright acts of violence. Organized groups, often motivated by religious intolerance, take advantage of this climate to perpetrate crimes targeting believers.

Towards a precarious situation

Faced with this increase in violence, Father Sotelo warned of the growing risk of new bloody incidents. The recent cases of murders of priests and innocent victims illustrate a terrifying reality where human life seems to have lost its value. The lack of effective intervention by the authorities only worsens an already precarious situation.

In this context of generalized insecurity, Mexico positions itself as one of the most dangerous countries for priests in Latin America. The fight for peace and justice is embodied in the hard work of religious people who, despite threats, continue to preach values of trust and solidarity within their communities.