Introduction
In recent years, violence in Mexico has extended to Catholic clergy members, pastoral agents, lay faithful, and churches, resulting in nearly a hundred deaths and an impunity rate exceeding 80%, according to the Catholic Multimedia Center’s (CCM) Annual Report 2025 on violence against clergy and ecclesiastical institutions.
Historical Context
From 1990 to 2025, at least 92 priests, religious figures, and laypeople associated with parochial life have been murdered across the country. During Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration (2018-2024) and the beginning of Claudia Sheinbaum’s term (2024-2025), 13 priests have been killed, along with disappearances, armed attacks, and assaults on religious communities.
Although the number of homicides has decreased compared to the 2012-2018 period, new forms of violence and aggression have emerged as a continuous threat to Catholic communities and parishes.
Crime Organizations Target Clergy
The CCM clarified that there is no systematic religious persecution or restrictions on religious freedom; however, criminal organizations have made Catholic clergy and communities strategic targets, considering them “social stabilizers” that hinder territorial, economic, and political control in regions dominated by criminal groups.
“These attacks are not coincidental in regions with high criminal activity; organized crime, drug trafficking, and common crime view churches as easy targets, unprotected by a secular state that ironically guarantees religious freedom,” the report denounced.
Red Alert Regions
Guerrero is identified as one of the most dangerous states for priestly ministry in recent years. Since 2009, eight priests and two seminarians have been murdered in the state. Moreover, many of these crimes remain unsolved, with indications of collusion between criminal groups and local authorities in some cases.
However, according to the CCM’s information, the Mexico City area has experienced the most targeted attacks against priests, religious figures, and laypeople, with 11 recorded incidents. Guerrero followed closely with ten events; the State of Mexico and Guanajuato had nine cases each; Michoacán reported eight incidents, while Chihuahua and Jalisco had six cases each.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue discussed in this report? The rising violence against Catholic clergy members, religious figures, and laypeople in Mexico.
- How many clergy members have been killed since 1990? At least 92 priests, religious figures, and laypeople associated with parochial life have been murdered from 1990 to 2025.
- Which regions are most dangerous for priests? Guerrero is identified as one of the most dangerous states, with eight priests and two seminarians murdered since 2009.
- Why are clergy members targeted by criminal organizations? Criminal groups view them as “social stabilizers” that hinder their territorial, economic, and political control.
- Which areas have experienced the most targeted attacks? The Mexico City area has seen the most incidents, with 11 recorded attacks against clergy members, religious figures, and laypeople.
