The body of a Catholic priest has been found in Guerrero, Mexico.

The area is notorious for gang-related crime and is the same place where, last year, a retired bishop was kidnapped while attempting to mediate with local gangs.

Local authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased as Reverend Bertoldo Pantaleon Estrada, 58, pastor of San Cristobal Church in the town of Mezcala.

The Diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa raised the alarm after Fr. Estrada was reported missing on Saturday.

Rev. Estrada’s death is being treated as a homicide, and authorities are actively searching for the perpetrator.

The Catholic Multimedia Centre, which tracks attacks against Christians, reports that 10 priests were killed in Mexico between 2019 and 2024.