Fr Joaquín Mora SJ and Fr Javier Campos SJ were killed while defending a man seeking safety in the church

Two Jesuit fathers were assassinated in the afternoon of 20 June in Cerocahui, Tarahumara, Mexico.

According to the Mexican Jesuit Province, Fr Joaquín Mora SJ, 80 years old, and Fr Javier Campos SJ, 79, were murdered while trying to defend a man who was seeking refuge in the church and who was being pursued by an armed person. The incident happened in the context of the violence that the country is experiencing.

“We publicly condemn this tragedy and demand a prompt investigation and safety for the community,” said Fr Luis Gerardo Moro Madrid SJ, the Provincial of the Jesuits in Mexico.

The province is currently working with federal and state authorities to ensure the safety of Jesuits, Esteban Cornejo SJ, Jesús Reyes SJ, and Jesús Zaglul SJ, and the pastoral team of the parish.

Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ has issued a response denouncing the violence.

“I am shocked and saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Jesuits in Mexico and the families of the men,” he said. “We have to stop violence in our world and so much unnecessary suffering.”

Pope Francis has also spoken out condemning the widespread violence in Mexico. “I express my sorrow and dismay at the killing in Mexico… of two religious, Jesuit brothers of mine, and of a layman,” the Pope said.

“I am close, with affection and prayer, to the Catholic community affected by this tragedy,” he added. “Once again, I repeat that violence does not solve problems but increases unnecessary suffering.”

The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) is united with the Mexican Province and the whole Society of Jesus in prayer. JCAP President, Fr Tony Moreno SJ, posted on Facebook: “We pray for Fathers Mora and Campos, for peace and justice in Mexico.”

A petition has been launched demanding justice for the murder of the two Jesuit priests, and an end to impunity in the country.