Priest abducted in Veracruz found alive

Parish priest José Luis Sánchez Ruiz was found alive showing significant traces of torture, as informed and confirmed by spokesmen of the Diocese of San Andrés Tuxtla in Catemaco, Veracruz.

“Our brother, the priest José Luis Sánchez Ruiz, who went missing last Friday morning, has been found alive. We received news of this, a couple of hours ago, and we have confirmed it.

Priest Sánchez Ruiz was left abandoned showing significant traces of torture. We make a call for everyone to respect the current situation of the priest and to wait for the timely intervention of the Attorney General who has been, and will certainly continue to be, in constant communication with the vicar general, Presbyter José Luis Martínez Cruz”.

The priest and social activist went missing last Friday morning and, according to witnesses, was abducted from his home by men dressed as policemen. After his disappearance, tens of residents from the Catecamco municipality, in Veracruz, set up roadblocks, took and burned part of the Municipal Palace, as well as police patrol.

In a letter signed by the 5th bishop of the Diocese of San Andrés Tuxtla, Fidencio López Plaza, the Catholic authorities recognized the efforts of the authorities of the state government of Veracruz, as well as the sentiment of the people, both Catholic and lay faithful for their interest and constant prayers.