Fr Francisco Javier Bautista A priest in Mexico City has been arrested for murder barely a week after he celebrated a funeral Mass for the victim. Fr Francisco Javier Bautista was arrested on June 19 and was charged with the murder of Hugo Leonardo Avendano Chavez, 29, who had recently graduated with a master’s degree from a Catholic university, worked with Fr Bautista at Christ the Savior Parish and had aspirations of entering the priesthood.
The priest, who also served as an exorcist, was ordered to be held pending trial.
Avendano was found murdered on June 13 in southern Mexico City. Family say he had gone to the Christ the Savior Parish, where he worked, late on June 11 and saw Fr Bautista.
The two men were spotted together outside the parish, according to footage from surveillance cameras.
The Archdiocese of Mexico City issued a statement last week, saying it was watching events closely – without naming the priest – and adding it was cooperating with investigators.
“The same as the rest of society, the Catholic Church of Mexico City hopes and trusts that the work of the authorities in charge of the investigation and the prosecution is efficient, rigorous, conforms to the law and is respectful of the human rights of the victims, their family members and those eventually accused,” the statement said.
Mexico City media reported Fr Bautista had celebrated Avendano’s funeral Mass. Television outlets showed Fr Bautista telling reporters, “on behalf of priests of the Church, forgiveness is granted” for the crime.