The Archbishop Primate of Mexico has called on the nation to work together to rebuild peace after the death of the notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, during a major military operation on Sunday 22 February.
In a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Mexico, Cardinal Aguiar said the Catholic Church remained committed to promoting peace “in all areas of our country” at a time of acute national tension. The operation that led to Oseguera Cervantes’s death was followed by widespread unrest, particularly in the western state of Jalisco, where his criminal organisation maintained its stronghold.
“The fight against evil is a permanent duty of all disciples of Jesus, the Teacher of Peace,” the cardinal said. “We are aware of the difficult times we face as a society; therefore I address this message to encourage us and to call upon us to be collaborators in the common good, promoting the justice and social peace we need.”
The archbishop urged Catholics and all people of good will to work together to heal the wounds of those who have suffered directly or indirectly from the violence. He invited the faithful to intensify prayer in homes and parishes across the country, asking God to restore harmony and social fraternity.
“Let us entrust this moment together to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother and Queen of Mexico,” he said. “May she, who accompanied the birth of our nation, intercede for us, strengthen our hearts and help us to walk as true artisans of peace, following the example of Christ our Lord.”
The Archdiocese reiterated the cardinal’s appeal on social media, calling upon the entire Church in Mexico to be collaborators in the common good, promoters of justice and sowers of hope amid mounting uncertainty.
The violence erupted after the Ministry of National Defence, known as the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena), confirmed that an operation had been launched to capture Oseguera Cervantes. Security forces located his hideout in Jalisco on Friday 20 February and began preparations for a coordinated assault, which commenced two days later.
According to Mexican authorities, the operation involved the Army, National Guard, Air Force and Navy. Large quantities of weapons were seized, including rocket launchers and heavy machine guns. Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Minister, stated that Oseguera Cervantes was killed during the attempted arrest. At least 74 people are reported to have died in the firefight, among them 25 National Guard officers.
In the hours that followed, criminal groups mounted retaliatory actions in several regions. Armed clashes, road blockades, arson attacks and looting were reported in Jalisco and in parts of central and north-central Mexico.
Ten thousand soldiers have since been deployed nationwide, with a particular concentration in Jalisco, to protect the civilian population and restore order. The federal government urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid public gatherings while security operations continued.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, said there was “absolute coordination” between the federal government and state administrations. In messages posted on her official accounts, she called on citizens to remain calm and to rely on verified information from the Security Cabinet’s social media channels.
“Activities are proceeding normally throughout most of the country,” she said, expressing recognition for the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces and Security Cabinet. She added that the government was working daily for “the peace, security, justice and well-being of Mexico”.
Meanwhile, Pablo Lemus, Governor of Jalisco, announced the gradual resumption of activities in the state on Tuesday 24 February, despite the continuing security presence. Authorities remain on high alert as investigations continue into the events surrounding the operation and its aftermath.
