Pope Francis has denounced the recent killing of Honduran environmental activist Juan López, who was gunned down in early September while fighting against mining companies to protect the rivers and forests in the rural area of Tocoa, Honduras. During his Angelus message on Sunday at the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed solidarity with those whose rights are violated and praised those working for the common good, particularly in defense of the environment and the poor.
López’s killing has sparked international outrage. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian A. Nichols, and the United Nations have both called for a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Honduran President Xiomara Castro condemned the murder as “vile” and has promised to meet growing demands for accountability.
Honduras has a troubling history of violence against environmental defenders. López’s death follows a series of killings in the region, including the slayings of three other activists from his organization last year. Latin America remains the deadliest region for environmental defenders, with countries like Honduras, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico accounting for a significant portion of the 140 environmentalist killings recorded globally in 2022.
The slaying of environmental leaders like López and Indigenous rights advocate Berta Cáceres, who was murdered in 2016, continues to draw attention to the challenges environmentalists face in the region. Many activists operate in remote areas where organized crime and powerful corporations seeking to exploit natural resources can act with impunity, often far from the reach of law enforcement.
