The local diocese has confirmed that Priest Clemente Morales Topete endured a harrowing ordeal during his three-day abduction in Culiacán, where he was subjected to physical abuse, suffered severe burns, and received multiple death threats.
Bishop Jesus José Herrera Quiñónez disclosed details of the assault on the parish priest of the Risen Christ Church in a circular letter dated November 1. The priest had gone missing on October 24, but was found alive on October 27.
A priest was taken into custody by an unidentified group, with the Church reporting that the individual's current location remains unknown.
The individual was subjected to physical assault and suffered burns in various areas of the body by his captors, who were seeking information that the captive claimed he was unaware of and unable to supply.
The Diocese has confirmed that Morales Topete was held in detention for a period of three days, during which he faced repeated threats of death, before ultimately regaining his freedom.
The Diocese of Culiacán has confirmed that Father Clemente Morales was abducted and taken to an undisclosed location, where he suffered severe physical abuse, including beatings, burns, and death threats. He was eventually released on October 27 and returned to his location in a critical state, arriving by driving his truck.
The individual made his own way back to the parish.
Following his release, the priest made his way back to the parish house, utilizing his own vehicle, a truck, and received support from his religious community, fellow clergy members, and medical personnel.
A man was transferred to a clinic for specialized care following injuries sustained, which included multiple strikes and severe burns across various parts of his body.
The individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries that required medical treatment and ongoing observation. Furthermore, the incident had a lasting psychological and emotional impact stemming from the aggressive behavior and threatening messages received.
The institution acknowledged that its progress has been positive, but emphasized that a sustained effort and ongoing support will be necessary to ensure a complete and lasting recovery.
The Church has issued a statement calling for justice and strongly denouncing acts of violence.
Bishop Jesus José Herrera Quiñónez strongly denounced the recent events in Sinaloa, voicing his concern over the escalating levels of violence and insecurity in the region.
The official emphasized that ongoing violent incidents, including disappearances, kidnappings, and homicides, have a profound impact on families in Sinaloa, prompting the need for tangible outcomes from institutional efforts to address these issues.
The Church's representative urged perpetrators of violence to cease their aggressive actions and to respect the sanctity and dignity of human life.
The diocese has emphasized that it will not draw conclusions or assign blame until the ongoing investigations by the authorities have been completed and sufficient evidence is available.
