A Catholic priest was murdered in El Salvador on the weekend, according to reports.
Catholic news agencies reported that 35-year-old Fr Cecilio Perez Cruz was shot dead in his home by a person presumed to be a gang member. His body, with three bullet wounds, was found in his room early Saturday morning.
A note left with the body stated that he had not paid “rent”, a reference to extortion money demanded by the gang in exchange for “protection”.
The priest served in the parish of San José la Majada, in Sosonate Diocese near the Guatemala border.
El Salvador’s government has condemned the murder.
