Mexico: As Mexico continues to grapple with the devastating crisis of forced disappearances, the Catholic Church has become a powerful ally to the families left behind offering not only spiritual support but also practical help in their tireless search for truth and justice. Auxiliary Bishop Francisco Javier Acero of the Archdiocese of Mexico City has issued a heartfelt plea to political leaders, civil society, and all citizens: unite in solidarity and dialogue to help find the thousands who have vanished amid escalating organized crime and state apathy.

With little faith left in state institutions or police, more than 200 grassroots collectives—mostly made up of mothers and fathers—have taken matters into their own hands. Known simply as “searchers,” they comb barren fields and abandoned lots with shovels and hope, guided by anonymous tips often submitted through “Peace Boxes.” These secure drop-off points, placed in parishes throughout Mexico, allow citizens to provide information without fear of reprisal.

According to Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior, over 125,000 individuals have disappeared since 2006. Behind this staggering number lie stories of cartel violence, political vendettas, and suspected involvement in illicit networks such as human trafficking and organ harvesting—especially as many of the missing are minors, even infants.

Far from standing on the sidelines, the Catholic Church in Mexico has become a companion in the struggle. From parish priests to bishops, the clergy provide spaces of refuge, listening, and advocacy. The Church, alongside other civil organizations, walks with families in their grief—bearing witness to their pain and echoing their calls for justice.

In March, the nation's conscience was jolted by the discovery of a gruesome site in Jalisco known as the “Ranch of Horror”—a cartel-operated extermination facility complete with makeshift crematoria. Charred human remains and thousands of personal effects were recovered. Local law enforcement had previously downplayed the site, deepening families’ anger and sense of betrayal.

In response, Mexico’s Bishops Conference condemned the atrocity as a crime against humanity, urging the government to sever any collusion between political forces and the drug trade.

Bishop Acero, who played a key role in initiating national peace dialogues in 2024, regularly meets with groups of “searching mothers” to offer empathy, share new information, and cultivate solidarity. For him, the Church’s role is not just symbolic—it is deeply pastoral and profoundly human.

“These mailboxes are placed in parishes so people can leave tips anonymously,” Bishop Acero explained. “Sometimes someone notices strange activity and reports an address. These leads have helped uncover hidden graves and even rescue victims alive. Every letter is taken seriously.”

Asked whether the Church works with state institutions, Bishop Acero affirmed the Church’s role as a bridge-builder. “Our appeal is to every sector of society,” he said. “Dialogue has begun with some authorities, but it must not become superficial. It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about listening deeply. The mothers, fathers, and siblings of the disappeared cannot find closure without their loved ones’ remains. We are committed to a path of listening, not polarization, because our mission is shaped by the Gospel itself.”

Through its parishes, the Church has opened paths for dialogue and understanding—from grassroots communities to public officials. While the peace dialogues of 2024 have laid a foundation, Bishop Acero stresses the need for consistency and follow-through.

One deeply symbolic request from grieving families is for their missing loved ones to be named during Masses. “Even a small act like that means they’re not forgotten,” the Bishop noted. “Many priests are already quietly helping behind the scenes, especially in dangerous regions. The next step is better coordination across dioceses, as we’re doing at the provincial level, to strengthen our networked pastoral response.”

In a land where faith is often tested by fear, the Church in Mexico remains a beacon of courage and compassion—accompanying the desperate, amplifying the silenced, and holding fast to the Gospel’s call to seek the lost. It is not only ministering to wounds, but helping the wounded dig for truth.