A historic 17th-century church, located in the western Mexican state of Michoacán, has been devastated by fire.
St James, the Apostle church had a rich history, containing indigenous art which had been preserved for centuries. Only the walls remain of the building which dates to 1639, given that the majority of the interior had been built out of wood.
The fire broke out in the afternoon on Sunday 7th March and no people have been injured.
The Mexican Secretary of Culture, Alejandra Frausto, took to Twitter to express her solidarity and sadness about the news:
"Devastating images of the fire in the Santiago Apóstol church in Nurio, Paracho district, Michoacán. One of the most beautiful churches in the world. We will provide all necessary support," Frausto wrote.
Although the cause of the fire is still being investigated, many local news outlets are reporting the lack of available water for firefighters likely made the situation worse.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Morelia said: "We join in prayer with the community of Nurio, Paracho district, Michoacán, in its profound pain."
They continued, describing the church as "an architectural jewel of incalculable value".
The church had already survived two fires: one in the 1980s and another one in 2015.