Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega, the archbishop of Guadalajara, has once again addressed the growing influence of criminal organizations in some regions of Jalisco.
Cardinal Robles Ortega
Robles explained that parishes and priests are not exempt from this extortion. In some towns, criminal groups have taken control of religious festivals, even dictating the schedule of events, such as when the band plays and when the firework castillo (a towering display of fireworks) is lit.
In 2022, Robles revealed that in certain areas, local gang bosses demand half of the revenue generated by parish festivities in honor of patron saints.
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