Fr Marcelo Pérez celebrating mass | Photo from ignatiansolidarity.net courtesy of the Mexican Jesuit Province

The Society of Jesus condemns the assassination of diocesan priest and peace advocate Fr Marcelo Pérez Pérez on 20 October in Chiapas, southern Mexico. Fr Pérez was on his way back to his parish, Guadalupe Church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, after celebrating Sunday Mass in the Cuxtitali neighbourhood, when two assailants on a motorcycle open fired on his vehicle, killing him. He was only 41 years old.

The Jesuits in Mexico have issued a statement denouncing the murder. They highlighted Fr Pérez’s commitment to justice and solidarity, which made him a symbol of hope, justice, and peace for the indigenous communities he served. For nearly two decades, Fr Pérez, a member of the Tzotzil indigenous group, fought tirelessly for the rights of the people of Chiapas, one of Mexico’s most embattled states. Just last month, he joined thousands of people in marching for peace in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state’s capital.

According to an article by The Associated Press, the UN Human Rights Office reported that Fr Pérez was the seventh human rights activist killed in Mexico this year.

The Mexican Jesuits have called on authorities to respond firmly and address the rampant problem of organised crime in Chiapas and other parts of the country. They firmly reject any attempt to frame Fr Pérez’s murder as an isolated incident, pointing to an increase in violent incidents, including forced recruitment, kidnappings, and the exploitation of natural resources by criminal groups in the state.

“We share our desire for peace, justice, and dignity, which [Fr Pérez] testified to through his pastoral dedication and tireless service,” the Jesuits said in their statement. “His assassination cannot and should not be left in impunity; we implore that justice prevail to honour his memory and renew the hope in the construction of the Kingdom of God, where true peace reigns.”