Retired Catholic Bishop Known for Mediating Drug Cartel Disputes Kidnapped in Mexico

The Mexican Council of Bishops revealed that retired Bishop, Msgr. Salvador Rangel, known for his attempts at mediating between drug cartels in Mexico, has been kidnapped. The church authorities stated that Rangel went missing on Saturday and urged his captors to release him. In a public statement, the council highlighted Rangel's poor health condition and pleaded with the abductors to allow him access to his medications, appealing to their sense of humanity.

Rangel previously served as the bishop of the notoriously violent diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa, situated in the state of Guerrero. The area has been a battleground for drug cartels, leading to prolonged turf wars and bloodshed. Despite facing immense danger, Rangel endeavored to negotiate peace agreements between the warring gangs, a move later supported by the government.