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Fr Clemente Morales Topete returned to his parish, Risen Christ, in Sinaloa state on October 27, three days after he was reported missing after a medical appointment.
Bishop Jose de Jesus Herrera Quinones of Culiacan Diocese said the priest returned in a “deplorable state”, showing clear signs of physical violence.
Members of the parish community administered first aid before taking Fr Morales to a clinic for specialised medical treatment.
He had suffered multiple blows and burns to various parts of his body.
Bishop Herrera said the injuries were not life-threatening, but required ongoing medical care.
The priest had also reported receiving threats against his life, leaving him with psychological and emotional trauma.
Fr Morales remains under medical observation, with his condition improving.
Bishop Herrera said his recovery would require time, care and comprehensive support.
Fr Morales’ abduction
Bishop Herrera said Fr Morales was “picked up”, a term used colloquially in Mexico as a synonym for kidnapping or unlawful confinement.
“The priest was picked by a group of unknown individuals and taken to an unknown location; he was beaten and even sustained severe burns on his body, while being pressed for information that he didn’t have,” he said.
He said “he was held for three days, during which he received repeated death threats,” until he was released.
Bishop Herrera said the authorities were continuing their investigation, and he urged against “fueling speculation, naming those responsible without evidence, or contributing to misinformation.”
He expressed solidarity with those who have experienced a similar situation. “No priest or person should be subjected to threats or attacks for fulfilling their mission.”
While expressing “relief and gratitude” that Fr Morales came out alive from the ordeal, he noted that his case “joins those of so many individuals and families who suffer from this reality”,
“We denounce, reject, and condemn actions that threaten the life and the physical and moral well-being of individuals including physical and psychological torture and arbitrary detention because they are contrary to human dignity,” he said.
Years of violence in Sinaloa
The attacks on Fr Morales took place against a backdrop of escalating violence in Sinaloa.
Since September 2024, numerous criminal acts including shootings, arson and vehicle thefts have been reported from clashes between rival organised crime factions.
In this context, the bishop of Culiacan acknowledged the efforts made to quell violence and insecurity in Sinaloa; however, he warned that these issues continue to “severely affect the daily life of our society”.
He said the measures in place had “not been sufficient” to “restore the tranquility that our city so desperately needs”.
‘We want peace’
The call for peace, he said, also required the participation of society.
He urged the people of Sinaloa to maintain “solidarity and respect toward those who have fallen victim to crime, as well as their families,” and to take up the responsibility that falls to every citizen.
He also addressed those perpetrating violence: “We ask you to reflect on the harm you are causing, to listen to the voice of your conscience, and to turn your gaze toward God. It is within your power to put an end to this violence,” he said.
He invoked the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, patroness of the Diocese of Culiacán, that she might “accompany families searching for their loved ones, strengthen those who are suffering, and touch the hearts of those who have chosen the path of violence”.