Mexican priest Juan Manuel Zavala Madrigal was found dead this Monday in Chiapas, after being reported missing on Sunday, the Archdiocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital, reported.
In a statement, the Diocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez indicated that, according to information received from civil authorities, the body was found near the Laguna Verde Ecotourism Center in the municipality of Coapilla.
It also stated that the relevant authorities are conducting the necessary investigations to clarify the circumstances of the “tragic event” that took the life of Zavala Madrigal, who served as vicar at the San Marcos Evangelista parish in the city of Ocotepec.
The city council of Ocotepec confirmed the priest’s death and stated that a search operation was launched last night, involving the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministerial Intelligence and Investigation Agency, and with support from Public Security and Civil Protection in Ocotepec and Coapilla.
The Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) also indicated on its social media that an investigation into the case has been launched.
“A multidisciplinary team is conducting the investigation to clarify the facts. Progress on the investigation will be announced in the coming hours,” the message stated.
To date, the FGE has not clarified the motive for the priest’s death.
The Catholic Church has been affected by the wave of violence plaguing the country. In October 2024, Father Marcelo Pérez, also a human rights defender, was murdered in Chiapas. EFE
Source: aristeguinoticias
