Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) - Violence in El Salvador has increased and does not stop, unfortunately some jobs are now at risk: in the last 10 days five bus drivers have been killed. It seems a ridiculous story, but behind all this powerful gangs in the country are suspected.
According to official figures, 2,865 people were murdered in El Salvador in the first half of the year, a figure much higher than the 1,840 in the same period of 2014.
These levels of violence, an average of 15.8 murders per day, are mainly attributed to gang activity (or "maras"), which have about 72,000 members.
The local Church has launched an appeal for peace. "We call on all members to strengthen their faith and to keep hope alive, trusting in divine mercy", said the Archbishop of San Salvador, José Luis Escobar, during the Mass in the cathedral of the capital in celebration of El Salvador, patron of the city of San Salvador. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/08/2015)
