A Mexican priest remains in critical condition after being shot four times while on his way to minister to a sick person in Villahermosa, in the southeastern state of Tabasco.

Father Héctor Alejandro Pérez was attacked around 5:45 a.m. on June 30, just outside St. Francis of Assisi Parish, according to a statement from the Diocese of Tabasco. He underwent emergency surgery and was reported to be in “very serious” condition, having suffered internal injuries and severe blood loss.

“The Diocese of Tabasco expresses its total condemnation of this barbaric act,” said Bishop Gerardo de Jesús Rojas López. “We ask the Lord to move the hearts of the unjust aggressors toward conversion and repentance, and we urge the faithful and all people of goodwill to unite in the search for peace in our beloved Tabasco.”

The diocese suggested the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity. Local media reported that the assailant, who was on a motorcycle, opened fire at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Father Pérez is one of many clergy affected by the ongoing violence in Mexico. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center, at least 52 priests have been killed since 2006.

“The country continues to shed blood everywhere... It’s time to redouble efforts to stop this violence,” read a June 13 statement from the National Dialogue for Peace.

The National Dialogue was launched by the Mexican Bishops’ Conference in 2022, following the murder of two Jesuit priests. It aims to create an inclusive space for dialogue on peacebuilding and security, bringing together Church leaders, civil society, and other sectors to confront the country’s worsening violence.

Mexico has also risen six places in the past year on the Open Doors World Watch List, which tracks countries where Christians face the highest levels of persecution.