A Catholic bishop has spoken of risking his life to serve indigenous communities in one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions.
Bishop José de Jesus González, who leads the Diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa in Guerrero, said he has faced threats and violence since his appointment 12 years ago.
Just 11 months into his ministry, he survived an armed attack while travelling with two other priests.
“There were three of us in a van and they shot at us. They aimed for our heads,” he told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
When the gunmen realised he was a bishop, they apologised and asked for his blessing.
Despite the dangers, Bishop González said his mission is not only to protect the faithful but also to reach out to those caught up in organised crime. “They are also my children, even though they are misguided,” he said.
Guerrero, he explained, is a state “hijacked” by armed groups who impose their own laws and commit daily acts of violence, with ACN reporting that priests and community leaders have been murdered for defending and advocating justice and human dignity.
Despite this, the bishop continues to visit families, celebrate Mass and offer support, especially to mothers searching for missing loved ones through Church-run listening centres.
“If we are not brave, the people cry... and God weeps,” he said. “Pray for us. God does not abandon us, but we need to feel that you are close.”