On September 15, the murder of the Roman pastor of the Cross, the parish preacher of Santa Cruz in Huejutla, Hidalgo, was reported. His body was discovered on the side of the road in Lolotla, in the Lolotla town, with gunshot wounds.
Authorities were called in after the discovery of a deceased man on a street, according to media outlets like the N+ site. Security personnel arrived at the location and confirmed that the man had many gunshot wounds and no longer showed any signs of life.
Roman de la Cruz Hernández, 48, a parish preacher in Santa Cruz and a member of the Huejutla Diocese, was later identified as the target.
Officials have not, however, publicly disclosed its contents or established a potential smart home for the murder.
Parliament urges people to refrain from debate
The Diocese of Huejutla expressed shock and asked to stay away from speculation while the government conducted the necessary investigations after the death was discovered.
José Hiras Acosta Beltrán, the priest of Huejutla, requested clarity of the facts and justice. The bishop called for the development of a society of peace and reconciliation and expressed concern over the country's violence.
The Archdiocese of Tulancingo furthermore expressed its apologies for the pastor's passing and trust that the government will fully explain what transpired.
Priests of Mexico contact for inquiry
The call to find out the crime was supported by the Mexican Episcopate Conference. The bishops expressed their grief and support for the Catholic Hidalgo group in a statement released on September 16 and demanded that the authorities launch a complete investigation.
The Church expressed condolences to the priest's relatives, friends, parishioners, and those who are close to him by requesting explanation on the death and justice.
Bishop José Hiraís Acosta Beltrán also asked not to advance conclusions on the case, in order to allow the authorities to conduct the investigation and determine the circumstances in which the crime occurred.
