Drug violence

The Latest

The violence in one of the most troubled regions of Mexico led to a temporary parish closure.

Facing drug gang violence ‘God is the people’s only defense,’ Mexican bishop says

Mar 10, 2024

By Diego López Colín

On Feb. 28 a parish in La Ruana announced the suspension of religious services, stating that “we are in a... Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.

Pope Francis condemns assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate

Aug 12, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The presidential candidate had been an outspoken critic of the violence caused by drug trafficking. Read more

Interior of the Church of Santa Anita in Mexico after the gang confrontation.

Priest in Mexico saves 3 children after gang violence leaves one dead, church shot up

Jun 7, 2023

By David Ramos

The violence occurred in a town fewer than 125 miles south of Cerocahui, where almost a year ago two Jesuit... Read more

Archbishop Ángel Sixto Rossi.

Archbishop denounces attack on home for young drug addicts in Argentina

Mar 23, 2023

By Julieta Villar

The attack occurred March 14 in Córdoba, Argentina, where Father Mariano Oberlin runs an addiction rehabilitation center. Read more

Members of the National Police prepare before going out to patrol the streets of Duran, city neighbouring Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Nov. 5, 2022. Special police forces continued on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 to transfer imprisoned criminal gang leaders who have unleashed terror in Guayaquil as part of the government's "open war" against drug trafficking.

Bishops urge conversion amid drug gang violence in Ecuador

Nov 7, 2022

By CNA Staff

Drug trafficking gangs in Ecuador have reacted to the government’s efforts to retake control of the prisons by launching a... Read more

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Could priests in Mexico avoid being killed by wearing a cassock?

Aug 4, 2022

By Walter Sánchez Silva

Bishop Jesús González Hernández said wearing religious clothing could prevent Catholic priests from being victims of violence. Read more

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Mexican parish to remember victims of violence with 130,000 candles

Jul 26, 2022

By David Ramos

The candles will be lit the night of July 30 as part of the Day of Prayer for Peace called... Read more

Jesuit Fathers Javier Campos Morales and Joaquín César Mora Salazar were murdered June 20, 2022.

One month after murder of two priests, Jesuits in Mexico decry impunity

Jul 22, 2022

By CNA Staff

In a July 20 statement, the Mexican Province of the Society of Jesus demanded justice for the victims of violence. Read more

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Mexico’s faithful encouraged to bring photos of victims of violence to churches July 24

Jul 19, 2022

By David Ramos

Religious leaders have asked that July be a time of prayer for peace in Mexico. Read more

Andrés Manuel López Obrador

Mexican bishop to country's president: 'We've done our job as pastors'

Jul 11, 2022

By Walter Sánchez Silva

Bishop Ramón Castro Castro on July 9 responded to recent remarks by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who called the... Read more

Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega

Cardinal reveals he was detained by drug traffickers in Mexico

Jun 28, 2022

By Walter Sánchez Silva

Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega lamented the current climate of violence in Mexico at a June 26 press conference. Read more

Confiscated drugs and money in Argentina.

Parish of priest who denounced drug traffickers attacked in Argentina

Sep 26, 2018

Mary Our Queen parish and Paul VI school in Rosario, Argentina, were the target of an attack by criminals apparently... Read more

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was elected president of Mexico on July 1.

Mexican bishops urge collaboration after election of Lopez Obrador

Jul 2, 2018

The bishops of Mexico congratulated Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador on his election as the next president of the country, stressing... Read more

Don't send a mother who fled drug cartels back to Mexico, archdiocese pleads

Apr 8, 2017

U.S. immigration authorities should show mercy on a detained Catholic mother with a special needs child, who fled Mexico when... Read more