Mexico: Priest killed in Baja California region

Father Ignacio Cortez Alvarez, parish priest of the María Auxiliadora Church, was killed in his home in the city of Ensenada, in the region of Baja California. His lifeless body was found on 22 July, in his home next to the parish in the district of El Sauzal de Rodriguez.

Local police report that he had suffered numerous injuries to the chest. The reasons for the murder remain unknown and the police have started investigations. The Diocese of Ensenada confirms the death of the priest in a statement that informs the community: "sadly announces the death of Father Ignacio Cortez Alvarez, known as the 'Father Nachito'. May he rest in peace".

Father Cortez Alvarez was born in Janamuato, Michoacán, on October 16, 1956. He was ordained a priest on March 19, 1988 in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Tijuana. The funeral will be held tomorrow, 24 July, in the Cathedral of the diocese.According to the annual document by Fides, in 2012, for the fourth consecutive time, America has recorded the highest number of pastoral workers killed compared to other continents. In 2012, two priests were murdered in Mexico. On the evening of February 5, 2013, a Mexican priest Fr José Flores Preciado, who died after being beaten.

Source: Fides