Mexican priest reports beatings, severe burns and death threats during three-day kidnapping

A Catholic priest in Mexico was beaten, suffered severe burns and received repeated death threats during a three-day kidnapping, according to the Diocese of Culiacán in the state of Sinaloa.

The victim, identified as Father Clemente Morales Topete, serves as parish priest of the Church of the Risen Christ. He was reported missing on the afternoon of October 24 after attending a medical appointment in the Montebello residential area.

After three days without information about his whereabouts, Morales Topete returned on October 27, driving his own vehicle to the parish residence. He showed visible signs of physical violence.

In a circular letter dated November 1, Bishop Jesús José Herrera Quiñónez said the priest had been taken to an unknown location by a group of unidentified individuals, where he was beaten and subjected to severe burns. He also received repeated death threats during his captivity.

Following his return, the priest was taken to a medical facility for specialized treatment. The diocese said his injuries did not pose an immediate threat to his life, although he required medical attention and continued follow-up care.

The religious institution also reported that Morales Topete was experiencing psychological and emotional distress as a result of the threats he had received.

Bishop Herrera called for an end to the violence affecting Sinaloa and urged authorities to strengthen security measures. He also asked the public to avoid speculation while investigations into the kidnapping remain ongoing.

The bishop called on those responsible for violence to abandon such practices and consider the harm they cause to innocent people.