Mexican bishops demand justice and an end to violence on Independence Day

The Mexican Bishops' Conference issued an urgent appeal to national authorities on Monday, demanding that freedom be treated as a guarantee rather than a concession. The statement, titled "Calls to Freedom," was released on the 216th anniversary of the start of Mexico's independence. The bishops called for an end to violence, accountability for missing persons, and the protection of freedom of expression ahead of the national holidays and the upcoming electoral cycle.

The religious body noted that the country enters 2026 with progress in human rights but still faces open wounds affecting society. These ongoing issues include crime, impunity, inequality, and the forced displacement of entire communities. The bishops specifically asked those in power at all levels to ensure that security and justice are no longer just promises and that the voices of victims are heard. They also urged citizens to love the country and care for its most vulnerable sectors.

Mexico is currently experiencing a deep crisis of violence. The presence of organized crime and the number of missing persons, which exceeds 130,000 cases according to estimates from the Mexican Institute for Human Rights and Democracy, keep families and civil society constantly demanding justice. The bishops highlighted this severe situation as a central concern in their message to the public and the government.

Looking toward the 2027 electoral process, the bishops asked political actors to maintain a public debate that respects the people, pluralism, and freedom of expression. They also called for the protection of journalists and the guarantee of their work. The institution reaffirmed the fundamental right to religious and conscience freedom by recalling the centenary of the Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929. The bishops described that conflict as a fratricidal clash that taught the nation that restricting freedoms harms the entire country.

The church stated that it is not a guest in the country but an integral part of its social fabric. It operates through soup kitchens, human rights centers, shelters for migrants, and peace reconstruction efforts. The bishops affirmed that they seek to denounce the country's situation without hatred. This pronouncement by the Catholic Church occurs against the backdrop of the commemorations of the Cry of Dolores and the consolidation of independence, as the Catholic hierarchy seeks to influence the national agenda ahead of the imminent 2027 elections.