Seven Youths Killed in Mexican Church Event amid Cartel Violence

Seven young people were fatally shot during a Catholic festival in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato, Mexico, in an attack believed to be carried out by the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel amid ongoing gang conflicts. The assault, involving around 100 gunshots, is unusual as cartel violence typically targets nightclubs and bars rather than religious events. Guanajuato, Mexico's deadliest state in 2024 with 2,597 homicides, has been a battleground between the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, both vying for control over territory and illicit activities including fuel theft. The Catholic Church condemned the violence, calling it a sign of weakening social fabric and urging communities not to remain indifferent. Mexico ranks 31st on the Open Doors World Watch List for Christian persecution, reflecting increasing risks for faith communities amid widespread crime. No arrests have been made following the shooting, which has deeply affected the local Christian population and highlighted the broader challenges of cartel violence in Mexico.