AMERICA/COLOMBIA - A priest killed after a violent attempted robbery

Sincelejo (Agenzia Fides) - In the city of Sincelejo (department of Sucre), about 900 km north of Bogotà, father Fernando Meza Luna, pastor of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, in the neighborhood of Versailles was shot to Death after a violent attempted robbery. The parishioners immediately transported the wounded priest to Santa Maria Clinic, but unfortunately died.
According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, the terrible incident occurred on Saturday night, March 21, around 9 pm local time. Yesterday, Sunday, a large number of people went to the Cathedral to express their sorrow at the death of the priest, while another group appealed to the authorities asking for more security in the streets of Sincelejo, as it is not the only episode of armed violence that occurs against peaceful citizens.
According to the testimony of neighbors, the priest had already been the subject of a first attempt of theft two months ago, while this time the criminals robbed his mobile. This was confirmed by the Chief of Police of Sucre, Óscar López Ortíz. Father Fernando Meza Luna, was born in the city of Since, in the same Colombian department of Sincé.
The Bishop-emeritus of Sincelejo, His Exc. Mgr. Orlando Corrales, deeply affected by the murder of father Fernando, said: "With pain and sadness at the death of Fr. Fernando, I ask all priests to pray for him and for his family. I am deeply saddened by his death, and I hope it can be a source of greater unity among priests. Now that we are close to Easter, I invite everyone to raise their voices, asking for respect for life. I express my spiritual closeness in prayer. "The funeral of Father Fernando will be celebrated today, in the Cathedral, at 9 am (local time). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 23/03/2015)