Pope Francis expressed his grief and joined the mourning of the Catholic Church in Honduras following the murder of Juan Antonio López, an environmentalist and Delegate of the Word of God in the Central American country.
“I learned with pain that Juan Antonio López, delegate of the Word of God, coordinator of the social ministry of the diocese of Trujillo and founding member of the pastoral of integral ecology in Honduras, has been murdered in Honduras,” said the Holy Father after the Angelus prayer this Sunday at the Vatican.
“I join in mourning for that Church and in condemning all forms of violence. I am close to those who see their basic rights trampled on and to those who strive for the common good in response to the cry of the poor and of the earth,” he added.
According to Infobae , López was killed by gunmen on September 14 in Tocoa, Colón department in the north of the country, while he was in his vehicle, shortly after proclaiming the Word of God in the parish of San Antonio de Padua.
With the permission of the local bishop, delegates of the Word of God lead celebrations of the Word, in which, in addition to the proclamation of the Gospel, they may distribute hosts previously consecrated by priests.
This function is especially relevant in regions where priests do not frequently arrive.
The Catholic Church in Honduras expressed its deep sorrow over the murder of Juan Antonio López, known for his defense of the environment against mining activities.
“Brothers and sisters, let us continue to pray for peace,” Pope Francis said after the Angelus.
“Unfortunately, tensions are very high on the war fronts. People are calling for peace,” he added.
“Let us not forget the martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, and so many countries that are at war. We pray for peace,” the Holy Father concluded.