Pope Condemns Killing of Honduran Environmental Activist

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – On Sunday, Pope Francis condemned the recent killing of an environmental activist in Honduras who had been protesting against mining and hydroelectric projects aimed at protecting tropical forests and rivers.

Juan Lopez was fatally shot by multiple assailants while driving home from church, according to an official who spoke anonymously to Reuters.

Lopez was a member of the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Goods, an environmental organization based in Tocoa, a city near the country’s Atlantic coast. He was also actively involved in his local church.

“I join the mourning of that church and the condemnation of all forms of violence,” said the Pope during his Angelus message at the Vatican.

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with those whose fundamental rights are infringed upon and with those who strive for the common good in response to the cries of the marginalized.

He has consistently advocated for environmental causes, stating last month that the earth is suffering and urging everyone to take greater action to safeguard it.