BREAKING Mexico Catholic Bishops Issue Warning and Prayer as Violence Erupts Across the Country


Following sudden wave of violence in the country, Mexico's Bishops are calling for restraint, prayers, and prudence, warning against unnecessary travel at this time. (SEE Full Statement below)
Prayer for Peace Lord Jesus, you are our peace. Look upon our homeland, wounded by violence and scattered by fear and insecurity. Console the pain of those who suffer. Guide the decisions of those who govern us. Touch the hearts of those who forget that we are brothers and sisters and who cause suffering and death. Grant them the gift of conversion. Protect families, our children, adolescents, and young people, our towns and communities. May we, as your missionary disciples and responsible citizens, be promoters of justice and peace, so that in you, our people may have a dignified life. Amen. Holy Mary of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

What's Happening in Mexico? 

In a major blow to organized crime and drug trafficking, Mexican government forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a February 22 operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

The Operation:

  • Led by: The Mexican Army with support from the National Guard, Air Force, and U.S. intelligence.

  • Outcome: El Mencho and six others were killed following a shootout in a known cartel stronghold.

Immediate Fallout: The kingpin’s death sparked massive retaliation across multiple states. Cartel members have engaged in:

  • Narco-blockades: Burning vehicles and blocking major roads.

  • Arson: Attacks on retail stores and public property.

  • Active Clashes: Ongoing shootouts and explosions between gunmen and security forces.

While authorities hail this as a landmark victory for U.S.-Mexico security cooperation, the country remains on high alert as the CJNG responds to the loss of its top leader.

In the statement signed by Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, President of the Mexican Episcopal Conference, and Bishop Héctor M. Pérez Villarreal, Secretary General of the Mexican Episcopal Conference, they call for intensified prayers for peace: 

Mexican Episcopal Conference

STATEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD ON PILGRIMAGE IN MEXICO

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (Jn 14:27)

Dear brothers and sisters:

In the midst of the violence occurring in various regions of our country, as a reaction to the operation against the leader of a criminal group, we wish to reach out to each of you, your families, and communities, sharing your concerns and inviting you to prudence and prayer.

We urge you, in a pastoral and fraternal spirit, to reinforce personal and community security measures, to stay in your homes when necessary, and to avoid unnecessary travel, always following the instructions of the civil authorities.

As the People of God, we invite you to intensify your prayer for the peace that our nation so desperately needs: in your families, in your parishes, at Sunday Mass, and in every community. May our prayer be a confident supplication to Jesus Christ, Lord of history and Prince of Peace; but also a commitment to be sowers of reconciliation and fraternity.

In communion as a Church that suffers, prays, and hopes, we entrust our entire country to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace, that she may cover us with her mantle, protect our families, and help us build paths of justice, peace, and hope.

May the Lord strengthen us and grant us to live through these times united, with prudence, solidarity, and faith.

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