Mexico City, Mexico, Jan 7, 2011 / 10:21 am
The spokesman of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, Fr. Hugo Valdemar, is urging Mexicans to abandon the practice of venerating St. Death.
The priest noted that the belief in St. Death – represented by a skeleton holding a scythe - is contrary to Christianity. He added that its veneration has become a favorite ritual among those involved in organized crime.
Fr. Valdemar spoke to CNA on Jan. 6 about the recent arrest of David Romo, the leader of the St. Death cult. The archdiocesan spokesman emphasized that the judicial process needs to determine whether Romo is guilty or innocent, and urged Mexicans to refrain from judgment. “It would be unjust as well for us to declare him guilty before a trial has taken place,” he cautioned.
Romo, was detained on Jan. 4 with eight others in Mexico City for allegedly kidnapping an elderly couple and another man. According to police, they pretended to be part of the drug cartel Los Zetas to scare the victims' families into paying ransom.