On August 26, 2025 an armed attack in the Olimpo neighborhood of Salamanca Mexico claimed the life of Fr. Emilio Paredes González, one of our Franciscan priests serving in the Diocese of Mexico. Fr. Emelio had arrived to visit with his family for a week of vacation. He and his parents went out to dinner; at the place where they were planning to dine, a shootout broke out between two warring guerrillas and he was caught in the crossfire. Sadly, Father Emilio lost his life right there, in the presence of his mother and father.
Father Emilio was from Salamanca and was recognized for dedicating his life to looking after the most needy. In recent years, he went with families who live in the border of Xochiaca, on the border between Mexico City and Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl to bring them help.
He had begun studying law in this municipality, however the desire to help others was stronger, so he decided to become a priest, becoming a missionary of the Franciscan order. In this way and with the support of his family and other benefactors, including Salamanca, he provided a lot of spiritual support and all the joy that he could to families with limited resources. mainly children.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may Your perpetual light shine upon him.
Please pray for his family – especially his parents – and for his congregation in Salamanca.
