Mexican priest Father Clemente Morales Topete endured beatings, burns, and death threats after being abducted by a group of unknown individuals who held him captive for three days.
Bishop José de Jesús Herrera Quiñones of the Diocese of Culiacán in Sinaloa state reported what happened in a Nov. 1 statement, providing details on the assault. Herrera was reported missing on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 24, after he had gone to a medical appointment.
The prelate recounted that Morales returned on his own to his parish, Risen Christ, on Tuesday, Oct. 27. He arrived, as described, “in a deplorable state, showing clear signs of the violence he had been subjected to.”
Seeing his condition, members of the community administered first aid; he was subsequently “taken to a clinic for specialized medical care, as he had sustained multiple blows and burns on various parts of his body.”
Herrera clarified that the priest’s injuries “did not pose an immediate threat to his life,” though they did require medical follow-up. In addition to the physical aftereffects, there is “the psychological and emotional impact of threats that the priest reported having received against his person.”
Currently, Morales remains under medical observation. According to the bishop of Culiacán, his condition is improving, “though his recovery will require time, care, and comprehensive support.”
Morales’ abduction
Regarding the circumstances surrounding the priest’s disappearance, Herrera stated that Morales was “picked up,” a term used colloquially in Mexico as a synonym for kidnapping or unlawful confinement.
“The priest was picked by a group of unknown individuals and taken to an unknown location; he was beaten and even sustained severe burns on his body, while being pressed for information that he didn’t have,” the bishop stated.
He further noted that “he was held for three days, during which he received repeated death threats,” until he was released on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Herrera said the authorities are continuing their investigation, and he urged against “fueling speculation, naming those responsible without evidence, or contributing to misinformation.”
Meanwhile, he expressed his confidence that the investigations will “fully determine what happened and that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
In his message, Herrera expressed solidarity with those who have experienced a similar situation. “No priest or person should be subjected to threats or attacks for fulfilling their mission.”
While expressing “relief and gratitude” that Morales came out alive from the ordeal, he noted that his case “joins those of so many individuals and families who suffer from this reality.”
“We denounce, reject, and condemn actions that threaten the life and the physical and moral well-being of individuals including physical and psychological torture and arbitrary detention because they are contrary to human dignity,” he stated.
2 years of violence in Sinaloa
The attacks on Morales took place against a backdrop of escalating violence in Sinaloa. Since September 2024, numerous criminal acts including shootings, arson, and vehicle thefts have been reported from clashes between rival organized crime factions.
In this context, the bishop of Culiacán acknowledged the efforts made to quell violence and insecurity in Sinaloa; however, he warned that these issues continue to “severely affect the daily life of our society.”
He noted that the measures currently in place have “not been sufficient” to “restore the tranquility that our city so desperately needs.” Consequently, he urged that strategies be strengthened regarding prevention, security, the search for missing persons, the administration of justice, and comprehensive support for victims.
‘We want peace’
The call for peace, he noted, also requires the participation of society. He urged the people of Sinaloa to maintain “solidarity and respect toward those who have fallen victim to crime, as well as their families,” and to take up the responsibility that falls to every citizen.
He also addressed those perpetrating violence: “We ask you to reflect on the harm you are causing, to listen to the voice of your conscience, and to turn your gaze toward God. It is within your power to put an end to this violence,” he urged.
Finally, he invoked the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, patroness of the Diocese of Culiacán, that she might “accompany families searching for their loved ones, strengthen those who are suffering, and touch the hearts of those who have chosen the path of violence.”
This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.