Kidnapped Mexican Priest found dead

By James Blears

Father Jose Moises Fabila Reyes aged eighty three, had been based at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City since 2001. On April 3rd he was kidnapped during a trip, to the nearby City of Cuernavaca.

A ransom of two million pesos, which is equivalent to 106,000 dollars was paid, but it didn't save his life. His body was found in Cuernavaca. Police say forensic tests show, Father Jose who suffered from a heart condition, was dead before the ransom was paid. They also say evidence is emerging that he was followed and shadowed, leading up to the carefully planned abduction.

Father Jose was ordained in 1961. His Congregation, say he was a gentle, kind man who kept a low profile.

Five Priests have been murdered in Mexico this year. Twenty four have been murdered in Mexico since 2012.