I note this report with displeasure.
Mexico's Roman Catholic Church has suspended a controversial priest who has advised parishioners to carry guns to fight off drug cartels. Better known as "Father Pistolas," Rev. Alfredo Gallegos is a priest in the violence-plagued western state of Michoacan who has himself sometimes carried a weapon.
A circular from the Archdiocese of Morelia, the state capital, instructed other priests not to allow the Rev. Gallegos to celebrate Mass.
. . .
Even for Michoacan, it was surprising when the Rev. Gallegos called from the pulpit in 2021 for parishioners to arm themselves against warring drug gangs.
"The cartel gunmen come, they take the livestock, they screw your wife and daughter, and you do nothing," the Rev. Alfredo Gallegos said in a sermon. "Well, get yourself a gun, the government can go to hell."
"We have to defend our lives," Gallegos continued.
. . .
Michoacan has a history of armed civilian "self defense" vigilante militia movements dating from 2013 and 2014. Back then vigilantes managed to chase the dominant Knights Templar cartel out, but rival cartels like the Viagras and the Jalisco cartel have moved in. Kidnappings, killings and shootings have prompted thousands to flee their homes.
There's more at the link.
I said "displeasure" because the Knights Templar Cartel, from its foundation, was widely known to be associated with the leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Morelia (covering the Michoacan province). I've heard reports from trustworthy law enforcement sources that the Archbishop at the time used to get his cut of the proceeds from the Cartel's operations.
It's therefore with some cynicism that I hear that one of the Archdiocese's priests has been suspended for urging his parishioners to defend themselves against cartel excesses. Let's just say that, in the light of recent history, I think that decision might be a teensy-weensy bit self-interested and unbalanced . . .
Peter
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