Argentine priest murdered after speaking out against drug traffic

An Argentine priest who had been outspoken in his condemnation of drug trafficking was found dead at this home in San Miguel de Tucuman on October 5.

Father Juan Heraldo Viroche had received multiple death threats after denouncing the drug trade. 

Because of fears for his life, he had sought and received a transfer to a new pastoral assignment, but was remaining in his parish to complete a novena. 

His body was found hanging in his rectory.

The Archdiocese of Tucuman issued a statement: “We expect prompt clarification of the facts and trust in the action of the justice system, with which of course we will be cooperating in everything that depends on us.”