Mexican Bishops call for peace amid violence in their country

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid.” (Jn 14:27)

With this quote, the Bishops of Mexico begin the letter they released titled “the People of God who journey as pilgrims in Mexico" to address rampant violence in the country.

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 and also warn against unnecessary travel during this dramatic time.

“In the midst of the moments of violence being experienced in various regions of our country, as a reaction to the operation against the leader of a criminal group,” they state, “we wish to draw close to each one of you, to your families and communities, sharing your concern and inviting you to prudence and prayer.”

“With a pastoral and fraternal spirit,” they continue, “we urge you to strengthen personal and community security measures, to remain in your homes when necessary, and to avoid unnecessary travel, always following the instructions of the civil authorities.”

The Mexican Bishops’ Conference goes on to invite the faithful to intensify prayers for “the peace that our nation so greatly needs; within families, in parishes, at Sunday Eucharist, and in every community.”