The Archdiocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez confirmed Monday that the body of Father Juan Manuel Zavala Madrigal was discovered in Chiapas after the priest disappeared the previous night. According to Info Vaticana, the parish vicar of San Marcos Evangelista in Ocotepec celebrated Mass in a nearby community on Sunday before his disappearance. Authorities later found his body near the Laguna Verde ecotourism centre in the municipality of Coapilla. Although early reports indicated no clear signs of violence, state officials opened an investigation to determine the cause of death.
Initial reports stated that Father Zavala Madrigal left for San Andrés Carrizal after the Eucharistic celebration but never reached his destination. Residents later found his black vehicle, along with his backpack, cassock and religious items, in the San Juan neighbourhood of Coapilla. They discovered the body on Monday morning after an overnight search.
In a statement, the archdiocese expressed deep sorrow over what it described as the “regrettable event” that claimed the priest’s life. Church officials noted that he served for 36 years in pastoral ministry, especially among the rural communities in Chiapas.
The case emerges amid ongoing concerns about violence against clergy in Mexico. Reports from the Catholic Multimedia Centre indicate that at least 13 priests were killed in the country between 2018 and 2025, highlighting risks faced by church leaders working in vulnerable regions.