Background on Key Figures and Context
In response to escalating violence in the Mexican state of Michoacan, particularly at the municipal level, representatives from the Catholic Church and the Secretary of the Interior (Gobernación), Rosa Icela Rodríguez, convened a meeting.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez, as the Secretary of Gobernación, plays a crucial role in coordinating federal efforts to address security challenges across Mexico. Her recent meeting with the Catholic Church highlights the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in tackling regional issues.
Carlos Manzo, the former municipal president of Uruapan, was tragically killed by a 17-year-old youth allegedly hired by members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Manzo’s assassination underscores the volatile security situation in Michoacan.
Bernardo Bravo, a prominent citrus leader from Apatzingán, was also assassinated in mid-October after advocating for the crisis caused by criminal organizations extorting farmers through illegal quotas. This issue has plagued the region for at least a decade.
Meeting Details and Objectives
The meeting, held under the instruction of President Claudia Sheinbaum, aimed to understand the Church’s perspective and collaboratively develop the “Plan Michoacán por la Paz y la Justicia” (Michoacan Plan for Peace and Justice).
During the gathering, Rodríguez emphasized the importance of listening to community concerns and prioritizing spiritual and value-based contributions from religious leaders.
Violence Trends in Michoacan
Michoacan has experienced heightened violence in recent months, with notable incidents such as the murders of Carlos Manzo and Bernardo Bravo. Between January and September 2025, there were 1,024 deliberate homicides in the state.
- May had the highest number of deliberate homicides, with 133 reported cases.
- Compared to the same period in 2024, there was a 13% decrease in violence for 2025. However, between August and September 2025, there was a 19% increase in deliberate homicides, rising from 93 to 111 cases.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who convened the meeting? Representatives from the Catholic Church and Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of the Interior.
- Why was the meeting held? To address rising violence in Michoacan and develop a collaborative plan for peace and justice.
- Who were some key figures mentioned in the article? Carlos Manzo, former municipal president of Uruapan; Bernardo Bravo, citrus leader from Apatzingán; and Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of the Interior.
- What recent events have contributed to the heightened violence in Michoacan? The assassinations of Carlos Manzo and Bernardo Bravo, as well as ongoing extortion by criminal organizations against farmers.
- How has violence in Michoacan changed compared to previous years? There was a 13% decrease in violence from January to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, there was a 19% increase in deliberate homicides between August and September 2025.
