Mexican Catholics urge officials to address violence after mass grave discovery

Mexico's Catholic leaders have called for greater attention to victims of violence following the discovery of mass graves and cremation ovens at a drug cartel compound in Teuchitlán, near Guadalajara. Families of the missing held a procession on March 16 and attended a Mass in their honor.

Auxiliary Bishop Engelberto Polino Sánchez emphasized the importance of public demonstrations to keep attention on the issue, stating, “Let us not tire of searching for our missing persons, of pressuring our authorities.”

The discovery has shocked many in Mexico, where drug cartel violence has been prevalent for nearly two decades. Catholic leaders joined families and civil society in protests and vigils, with priests praying for victims at gatherings such as one on March 15 in Mexico City's Zócalo square.

Auxiliary Bishop Francisco Acero Pérez urged authorities to heed victims' pleas: “I call on the authorities to listen to victims... let us at least heed their first demand, which is ‘listen to us.’”

The site was discovered by Warrior Searchers of Jalisco, a group seeking missing relatives. They found ovens, bone fragments, shoes, and Santa Muerte figurines. The National Dialogue for Peace issued a statement condemning the cruelty and calling for transformation towards peace.

The Mexican bishops’ conference criticized government authorities' handling of the situation as an "irresponsible failure." President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed these criticisms on March 13, asserting that they lacked accurate information and downplayed the incident as part of a political smear campaign.

Sheinbaum has shifted away from her predecessor’s security strategy amid U.S. pressure over border issues. Jesuit Father Jorge Atilano noted changes in security measures but highlighted ongoing violence due to criminal control over territories.

A March 16 editorial from Desde la Fe urged listening to victims amidst increasing disappearances despite falling homicide rates—an assertion contested by Sheinbaum.

David Agren reported this story from Buenos Aires for OSV News.