The Colombian Bishop’s Conference expressed its condolences to the National Police “for the loss of numerous members” so far in 2022. The officers were killed by crime gangs, especially the Clan del Golfo.
36 Police officers have been killed so far this year. More than 60 were injured. The Director of the National Police, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia, said that the officers have been victims of the so-called “pistol plan” of the criminal organization known as the Clan del Golfo.
In a July 27 letter addressed to Vargas, the bishops expressed their “heartfelt condolences for the loss of many members of the National Police.”
“We want to extend these sentiments to all the families of the police officers who fell in the line of duty,” the conference said.
In the letter, the Colombian prelates renewed their “gratitude for the selfless dedication of all the officers that make up the police force that form an institutional presence in the various regions and territories of our beloved Colombian nation.”
The bishops called on the faithful to participate in the day of prayer promoted by the Diocese for the Military on July 28 “and on Saturday to pray to the Lord of Life for the National Police and for a country at peace and reconciled.”
As part of the day of prayer, the Diocese for the Military offered a Mass at the Religious Center of the National Police in Bogotá.
“We ask God to embrace you in his infinite and kindly mercy,” Hincapié said.
He also remembered the officers “who, mutilated by the dark, cowardly and destructive weapons and of the concealed enemy, continue to give us an example of overcoming, gallantry, and patriotism with their love for the country” and encouraged the police officers to tell God every day: “I trust in you, because you are the refuge in danger.”
Masses are also being celebrated in other parts of the country for the repose of the souls of the murdered policemen.