Fr Pedro Gomes Bezerra A priest in the north-eastern Brazilian state of Paraiba was found dead in his rectory Thursday morning, with signs of having been stabbed, according to police.
The body of Fr Pedro Gomes Bezerra (49) was discovered on August 24 in Borborema. His body was found wrapped in sheets in his residence, which was in shambles.
According to the local press, investigators found some 29 punctures on his body.
The priest’s car was not in the garage, but there were no signs of the house having been broken into.
“Even though we are in mourning, let us stand united in prayer, professing our faith in the resurrection of the dead. And may the Lord grant eternal rest to Fr Pedro Gomes,” read a statement from the Diocese of Guarabira, of which Fr Bezerra was a priest.
The priest’s neighbours reported they did not notice any strange movements in the house.
The police were notified by the parish secretary, who was surprised to see the doors closed when she came to work.