AMERICA/ARGENTINA - "We cannot accept violence, we have to react": the Archbishop of Cordoba at the funeral of the murdered priest

Alta Gracia (Agenzia Fides) - "We cannot accept the culture of death, it seems that the lives of people has no value. We must react, we cannot accept violence". This is what His Exc. Mgr. Carlos José Nanez, Archbishop of Cordoba said at the funeral of Don Luis Jesus Cortez, 73, pastor emeritus of the parish of Our Lady of Mercy of the city of Alta Gracia.
The priest was killed in his home on Saturday, August 29, when firemen intervened to extinguish the fire that broke out. At first it was thought that the priest had died from the consequences of the fire, however, the authorities found traces of strangulation on the body, so the fire was probably started by the criminals to disguise the murder. Investigations are still ongoing.
"It is a horror, an injustice to father Luis", the Archbishop said during the funeral, celebrated yesterday. "We must also think about what our country is going through. The authorities must ensure protection and justice, but society has to react". Mgr. Nanez emphasized that many are shocked when, a few months ago, the Bishops said that Argentina is "sick of violence" (see Fides 14/05/2014), and pointing to the coffin of father Luis reiterated: "This is clear evidence that we are sick". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 01/09/2015)