CSW raises alarm over disappearance of Colombian priest

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is calling on the Colombian government to urgently conduct a full and co-ordinated investigation into the disappearance of a Roman Catholic Priest who was last seen on 17 June.&nbsp; Father Carlos Saúl Jaimes Guerrero, a 30‑year‑old Augustinian priest from the Province of Our Lady of Grace in Colombia, has been missing since 17 June 2025. He was last seen travelling from Hacienda Casacoima, a mission centre under his care in Viotá municipality, Cundinamarca, to an appointment by a rural stream, but never arrived. His disappearance has sparked concern across church and civil society due to the lack of explanation for his vanishing.&nbsp; Later that day, Father Jaimes’s vehicle was found abandoned on a rural road in the La Unión area with the engine still running and its doors open with no signs of violence, theft or forced entry.&nbsp; Colombian authorities immediately activated the Urgent Search Mechanism, a protocol for potential abductions. The Attorney General’s Office joined forces with local police, intelligence agents and the GAULA anti‑kidnapping unit. A reward of 10 million pesos, roughly £1,800, has been offered for credible information leading to the priest’s whereabouts.&nbsp; Security forces, supported by the Colombian Air Force, have conducted helicopter and ground searches in and around Viotá. The municipal government established an emergency council and a unified command post to co‑ordinate the operation. Despite the mobilisation of resources, no substantive leads have been uncovered.&nbsp; Father Jaimes’s family has appealed for information. His mother issued a heartfelt plea pleading for news of her son’s whereabouts and that he be returned safely. His sister also released a message to potential captors, emphasising his dedication to his vocation and his community.&nbsp; Local parishioners in Viotá have responded with solidarity. A candlelit procession was held on 26 June, with hundreds of residents marching through the town carrying banners bearing the priest’s image. The Augustinian community also <a href="https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/missing-priest-murdered-missionaries-put-spotlight-on-rising-anti-christian-violence-in-colombia?">organised</a> a novena online, drawing believers from across Colombia into daily prayer for his safe return.&nbsp; The disappearance of Father Jaimes follows the tragic loss in April of eight Christians in Guaviare Department, who were lured to a meeting by a FARC dissident group and later found dead in a mass grave.&nbsp; Authorities have confirmed that no ransom demand has been made and no group has claimed responsibility for his disappearance. Investigators are examining whether armed groups or criminal networks operating in the region may be involved.&nbsp; In Columbia, rural priests like Father Jaimes often work in areas where state presence is limited, leaving them vulnerable to kidnappings. Photo credit: https://cambiocolombia.com/