Los Legionaries of Christ they reported that 4 of its members were assaulted in Veracruz; calls to build, among all, peace in Mexico.
This was announced by the congregation through a statement on its X account (@RChristi_Mx) in which it was indicated that:
“This afternoon, the Father Francisco Aguilar LC y 4 young people They were victims of an assault (…) at the height of the Summits of Acultzingo -Veracruz- while they returned to the Mexico City after participating in a spiritual retreat. Thank God the priest and the 4 young people are now safe.”
At the same time, he regrets the situation of insecurity in the country, saying that it is “a challenge” that requires the commitment of everyone, and that:
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“United in the search for peace, justice and respect, we firmly believe that it is possible to build a better and safer Mexico.”
We share that on Saturday, November 3, a Legionary priest of Christ and four young people who were returning from a spiritual retreat, were victims of crime – which is suffered in many regions of Mexico 🇲🇽 – fortunately they are now well, here is the statement: pic.twitter.com/ygvBKXOI5s
— Regnum Christi México (@RChristi_Mx) November 4, 2024
The Legionnaires’ document was accompanied by a message indicating that crime is “suffered in many regions of the country.”
The complaint comes after, this Sunday morning, the Church, through the editorial of From Faithwill indicate that crime in Mexico is “unstoppable”:
“He makes a new and urgent call for peace in Mexico, placing his gaze particularly on Chiapas (…) The unstoppable criminal acts in the country (…) leave deep marks in a society that time and again has said “Enough of so much violence!”
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Legionaries of Christ with accusations of sexual abuse
The Legionaries of Christ was founded in 1941 for him father Marcial Macielthroughout its existence it has been accused on several occasions of cases of sexual abuse by its senior members, including its founder.
Its leader, who at the time had great support from the Pope John Paul IIdied in 2008 after years of scandals over accusations of pedophilia, as well as the paternity of at least 4 children with several women.
In 2019, The Legion published for the first time a document in which it publicly acknowledged that from 1941 to that date, 175 minors were victims of sexual abuse; 60 of them, by Marcial Maciel.
In April of this year the group released an update to the report “Truth, justice and healing” in which he indicated that in 2023 he opened 3 investigations into the congregation:
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“During the past year, three new canonical procedures have been initiated, between formal investigations and trials. Therefore, currently, there are a total of 5 canonical procedures in progress, which implies due restrictions on the public ministry of these priests until what happened is clarified and their case is concluded.
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Interview: The State of Security in Mexico and the Call for Peace
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we’re discussing a pressing issue in Mexico, particularly in light of the recent assault on members of the Legionaries of Christ. Joining us is Dr. María Elena Cruz, a sociologist and expert on crime and security in Mexico. Thank you for being here, Dr. Cruz.
Dr. María Elena Cruz: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Legionaries of Christ recently reported that a priest and four young members were victims of an assault in Veracruz. This incident is alarming. What does this tell us about the current state of safety in Mexico?
Dr. Cruz: It’s deeply concerning. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity that many regions in Mexico are grappling with. The fact that individuals returning from a spiritual retreat were targeted shows that no one is truly safe, regardless of their background or activities. The Legionaries of Christ, through their statement, indicated that crime impacts various regions across the country, and this resonates with what we’ve been observing.
Editor: In their statement, the Legionaries expressed a commitment to building peace in Mexico. How effective are such calls to action in addressing the underlying issues of violence and insecurity?
Dr. Cruz: While calls for peace and justice are essential, they must be accompanied by tangible actions and policies. The Church’s voice is important; it can mobilize community support and raise awareness. However, a comprehensive approach that involves law enforcement, social programs, education, and community engagement is crucial. Simply encouraging peace without addressing root causes like poverty, corruption, and lack of opportunity might not lead to significant change.
Editor: The article also referenced an editorial from the Church stating that crime in Mexico is “unstoppable.” What does this suggest about the challenges the country faces?
Dr. Cruz: The wording reflects a profound frustration and urgency regarding the situation. Declaring crime as “unstoppable” indicates a crisis level that demands immediate and sustained intervention. It underscores the systemic issues at play, from organized crime to political corruption, which require coordinated responses from both the government and community organizations.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of community involvement. What role do religious organizations, like the Legionaries of Christ, play in this landscape of violence?
Dr. Cruz: Religious organizations can be pivotal in fostering social cohesion and tackling violence. They often provide support systems for vulnerable populations and promote values that counteract violence, such as forgiveness and community service. In the case of the Legionaries, they have a platform and a network that could help initiate dialogues and support for victims of crime. Their moral authority can rally people to demand change and restore hope in affected communities.
Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. What steps do you think should be prioritized to improve security in Mexico moving forward?
Dr. Cruz: Absolutely. First, we need more comprehensive law enforcement reforms that emphasize accountability and transparency. Second, investing in community programs that provide education and economic opportunities can help cut the cycle of violence. Third, addressing issues such as drug trafficking and corruption at all levels of government is crucial. fostering collaboration between civil society, the Church, and state actors can create a united front in pursuing lasting peace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cruz. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s clear that addressing insecurity in Mexico is a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions. We hope for positive outcomes in the ongoing efforts to foster peace in the region.
Dr. Cruz: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. Together, we can work towards a safer and more peaceful Mexico.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for joining us in this discussion. We hope you found this conversation enlightening and that it inspires continued dialogue on the path towards peace.