The Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas presented six points to achieve pacification in Chiapas, following the tragic murder of Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez, parish priest of the church "Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe," which occurred on Saturday, October 20.
The Catholic Church, through the Mexican Episcopal Conference and the Province of Chiapas, issued a statement with six demands directed at the authorities of the three levels of government. The first requests a thorough investigation to clarify the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez and bring the true perpetrators, both intellectual and material, to justice.
The statement highlights the importance of avoiding light accusations that may divert attention from the truth, thus showing a clear distrust of possible attempts at cover-ups. It also calls for effective measures to ensure the safety of priests and pastoral agents working in high-risk areas, given the growing fear among religious leaders operating in vulnerable communities exposed to violence.
Another key point is the call to redouble efforts to combat violence and impunity affecting Chiapas and the country in general. The Church emphasizes the need to put an end to the rampant violence in the region, attributing it to impunity, complicity, corruption, and the minimization of violent acts that occur daily in communities such as Chicomuselo, Frontera Comalapa, and Pantelhó.
Additionally, an immediate disarmament, dismantling, and disruption of the criminal groups operating in Chiapas and their allied networks at national and international levels is demanded, as they are involved in dispossession and territorial control. The urgency of these actions to restore peace and security in the region is stressed.
Finally, the cessation of the criminalization and persecution of priests, missionaries, and human rights defenders working for peace and justice in the region and beyond the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas is demanded. The Church recalls the distinguished work of Father Marcelo Pérez as a defender of human rights and Mother Earth, highlighting his commitment to peace and dignity in his pastoral work.
