VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the killing last week of an environmental activist in Honduras who had protested against mining and hydroelectric projects to try to protect tropical forests and rivers.
Juan Lopez was shot dead by several men as he was returning home in his car from church, an official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
López belonged to the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Goods, an environmental organization in the city of Tocoa, near the country’s Atlantic coast, and was also an active member of the local church.
“I join in mourning for that Church and in condemning all forms of violence,” Francis said at the end of his Angelus message in the Vatican.
“I am with those whose fundamental rights are trampled upon and with those who act for the common good in response to the cries of the poor of the earth,” he added.
The pope has repeatedly spoken out on environmental issues, saying last month that the earth was sick and urging people to do more to protect it.