Cardinal Luis Cabrera, Archbishop of Guayaquil, has expressed his concern for the parents of four children who were burned to death in Ecuador. The children, aged between 11 and 15, were kidnapped by men in military uniforms on 8 December and their bodies were later identified by the Ecuadorian Prosecutor’s Office. Cardinal Cabrera stated that the Archdiocese of Guayaquil stands in solidarity with the parents, sharing their pain and anguish. He also announced that all priests in Ecuador have been asked to pray for the eternal rest of the four young victims during Masses on 5 January.
The Ecuadorian Prosecutor’s Office has requested the arrest and preventive detention of 16 soldiers who are under investigation for their involvement in the case. The soldiers allegedly did not follow established protocols and failed to request cooperation from the police. The bishops of Ecuador have demanded truth and justice, emphasizing that impunity and oblivion must cease to be common practices in the country. Cardinal Cabrera reiterated the bishops’ commitment to working towards peace in families and society.