Two Mexican priests were abducted from their church and murdered on Sunday. A church assistant managed to escape.
The priests were working in Poza Rica, which is a city in Veracruz state.
In all, 14 priests have been murdered in Mexico since 2012.
Pope Francis has expressed “profound sadness” for the murders.
He condemned the attacks on the lives and dignity of the people involved.
He also urged the clergy and all members of the diocese to continue to pursue their mission
Mexico’s Catholic bishops also condemned the killing.
“We express our pain and indignation at the violence committed against them,” the Bishops said in a statement.
“In these moments of pain and powerlessness in the face of the tragic violence we pray to the heavens for the eternal rest of our brothers and ask Our Lord for the conversion of their killers.
“From the authorities, we expect an investigation clear up these acts and that those responsible be brought to justice.”
Poza Rica and its surrounding territory has been the scene of drug-related gang violence and trafficking for many years.
But it is unclear why the Catholic priests were targeted, Vatican Radio says.
Pope Francis offered prayers for the Mexican priests at the Angelus.
He also put his support behind the ongoing pro-family and pro-life efforts of the Mexican Bishops.
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