Catholic Priests in Jalisco Pray for Peace Amidst Violence
Catholic priests in Jalisco, Mexico, climbed onto a rooftop Sunday to conduct the Eucharist and pray for peace as the nation faced chaos from violent confrontations surrounding the recent death of a cartel leader.
Following the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), violence erupted in at least 18 Mexican states. Oseguera is regarded as one of the most formidable cartel figures in the country, and CJNG is recognized by the U.S. as a terrorist group. Reports indicated that attempts by the authorities to apprehend him led to a confrontation that escalated with the use of advanced weaponry, ultimately resulting in his death.
In retaliation for their leader’s demise, the CJNG enacted a brutal offensive across multiple states, employing tactics such as setting fire to neighborhoods, attacking law enforcement, and blocking roads. This turmoil prompted the closure of airports as the U.S. government issued warnings for citizens to seek shelter. By Monday morning, reports confirmed that 58 individuals, including police and at least one bystander, had died due to the violence.
This unrest significantly disrupted the observance of Sunday mass, particularly noteworthy as it fell during the first Sunday of Lent, a crucial time for many Catholics in preparation for Easter. To reach worshippers confined to their homes, Father Ricardo López Díaz from the Santa Cruz diocese in El Salto took the Eucharist to a rooftop, where he led prayers for peace.
“On that tense Sunday, with people unable to leave their homes, the Eucharistic blessing was given from the bell tower,” Father López shared on his Instagram account, posting a video of the blessing ceremony.
He included a verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14 in his post, which speaks to humility, prayer, and healing for the land.
Reports from local outlets indicated that similar scenes unfolded across various churches, although the specifics of these locations weren’t detailed.
Despite being a predominantly Christian nation, Mexico poses significant risks for Christians practicing their faith due to cartel-related violence. A prominent organization tracking religious persecution, Open Doors, noted that Mexico ranked 30th on their annual list for persecuted countries this year, primarily due to organized crime activities.
According to Open Doors, “Criminal gangs operate throughout the country, representing a threat to Christians in their territories, especially church leaders whose attempts at promoting peace are often viewed as challenges by the gangs.” They also highlighted an increase in violent incidents against Christians, including alarming rates of killings this year and new forms of violence rarely seen before.
Notably, Catholic priests have been particularly vulnerable, frequently targeted for opposing cartel activities and advocating for the marginalized. By 2015, experts recognized Mexico as having the highest rate of priest murders globally. A recent case that drew attention was the October 2024 killing of Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez in Chiapas, known for defending human rights and exposing organized crime threats to indigenous communities—he had received multiple death threats prior to his assassination.
In light of the violence, Leftist President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked that conditions on Monday felt calmer compared to Sunday’s chaos, assuring the public about ongoing government and military presence aimed at restoring peace.
“Today is more peaceful, and there’s a lot of coordination going on to ensure the safety and normalcy of our country,” she expressed during a news conference.
