Cardinal Urges Mexicans to Demand Justice Amidst Widespread Violence and Extortion

Cardinal Calls for Accountability from Authorities

Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega, the Archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico, has publicly urged the Mexican populace to demand that authorities actively pursue and prosecute criminals. Speaking at a press conference on January 1, according to the Archdiocese of Guadalajara's press office, the Cardinal emphasized that authorities possess a 'mandate to protect us' from the pervasive violence gripping the nation. He stated, 'Bringing to justice those who commit violence, those who commit homicides or injustices, that is the responsibility of the authorities.'

Extortion Cripples Small Businesses

A significant focus of Cardinal Robles Ortega's address was the escalating problem of extortion, which he noted is severely impacting small-business owners across Mexico. He highlighted that many businesses are being forced to close because they can no longer afford to pay the 'protection money' demanded by criminal elements. The Cardinal also expressed concern over the recruitment of teenagers by organized crime, suggesting that a lack of familial acceptance, support, or protection contributes to this vulnerability.

Mexico's Enduring Struggle with Crime and Impunity

The Cardinal's remarks come against a backdrop of persistent and severe violence in Mexico, largely driven by organized crime. Despite a reported significant decrease in homicides in 2025, reaching the lowest figure in a decade, the issue of extortion continues to plague the country and is perceived by citizens as a growing threat. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) for 2024 indicates a staggering 93.2% of crimes were either not reported or not investigated, underscoring a profound problem of impunity. Extortion has become the fastest-growing crime in Mexico, with only 0.2% of cases ever reported. Criminal organizations have expanded their reach, targeting businesses of all sizes, from small vendors to large corporations, and diversifying their illicit activities.

A Consistent Voice Against Violence

Cardinal Robles Ortega has been a consistent voice against violence and impunity in Mexico. In June 2022, he publicly recounted being stopped at checkpoints manned by drug traffickers and lamented the widespread violence, including the killing of two Jesuit priests. At that time, he also criticized the government's 'hugs not bullets' policy, asserting that criminals 'don't know about hugs' and that the government's duty is to enforce the law. His recent statements reiterate a long-standing call for greater governmental accountability and effective justice in the face of a deeply entrenched criminal landscape.