Veracruz, Mexico, Sep 24, 2019 / 16:13 pm
Archbishop Hipólito Reyes Larios of Xalapa in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, decried "shameful corruption" in the country and called for a deep reform that begins with conversion.
In his homily at Mass Sept. 22, Archbishop Reyes Larios said that "the climate of violence and insecurity is deeply troubling to all of us, as well as the concealed corruption and the scant solidarity in face of unemployment and [poor] public health."
Last year, former Veracruz governor Javier Duarte was sentenced to nine years in prison for money laundering and organized crime charges. Violence is also rampant in the state, with 682 homicides and 122 kidnappings registered in just the first quarter of 2019.
"I hope that all Mexicans and especially the citizens of Veracruz open our minds and hearts to hope and solidarity in the construction of a more united and fraternal State," Archbishop Reyes Larios said.