Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Villahermosa (Agenzia Fides) – The parish priest of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Father Héctor Alejandro Pérez, remains in critical condition at the Rovirosa Hospital in Villahermosa. The priest was shot several times in the abdomen while on his way to visit a sick person in the Gaviotas Sur colony.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 30, when, according to the Diocese of Tabasco, the priest was on his way to visit a sick parishioner shortly before 6 a.m. Unknown assailants fired several shots, hitting Father Pérez.
The priest was taken to the hospital and underwent a lengthy surgery (part of his stomach had to be removed). Doctors described the clinical situation as very serious from the outset due to the blood loss and the complexity of the internal injuries.
The matter is currently being investigated by the police. In a statement, the Diocese of Tabasco referred to a "case of mistaken identity," which investigators neither confirmed nor denied. The diocese strongly condemns this barbaric act and asks God to touch the hearts of the attackers so that they may convert, while inviting "the faithful and people of good will" to "unite in the search for peace."
The Mexican Bishops' Conference also expressed its closeness to the priest, who, according to a new medical bulletin also issued by the Diocese of Tabasco, is "in critical but stable condition." The Mexican bishops express their "deep shock and fraternal solidarity at the cowardly armed attack on Father Hector Pérez. We unite in prayer to the Lord of life for Father Hector's speedy recovery and entrust him to the protection of the Virgin Mary. Our support goes out to the Diocese of Tabasco, the parish of St. Francis of Assisi, his family, and his friends. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, inspire and sustain our efforts to build a society where justice, reconciliation, and respect for life prevail." (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 2/7/2025)
