Church officials reopen Mexico City's cathedral with police support

Published: 2007-11-26

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Church officials reopened Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral with the support of nearly 50 police officers after services were suspended when protesters interrupted a Mass and kicked over pews. A statement issued by the Mexico City Archdiocese Nov. 26 said it trusted the city police department would protect the church and its worshippers with a contingent of officers stationed there permanently. "We are resuming services as the civil authorities are guaranteeing the security of the faithful, the church officials and the building," the statement said. A heavy fence was erected around the cathedral; police were posted inside and outside the building and searched people entering the cathedral. Hilda Benitez, 53, said she did not mind being searched by police as long as she was safe. "Security is the most important thing," she said. Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Ortega Franco of Mexico City said the church did not want any more conflict with the protesters.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .