An outspoken priest in Yucatán’s coastal community of Sisal was nearly fired before members of his church rallied to his defense.
Father Francisco Kantuún Medina recently sparked the ire of the archdiocese after using colorful language to urge his followers to not support Mexico’s major political parties.
“And let’s not vote for Morena, or the PRI, or the PAN… nor any of those other sons of … well, they are all the same trash,” said the priest.
Father Kantuún Medina had also recently used his position on the pulpit to call out local authorities as cowards for not doing enough to protect Sisal’s beaches from overdevelopment.
Members of the congregation did not take the news of their priest’s firing well and said that if he were forced to leave, they would do the same.
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Local government representative Miguel Ek Pech said that Father Francisco is greatly loved and admired in the community. It would be a mistake for the church to recall him, he told local media.
“Priests are human beings too. Yes, he went a little overboard, but it’s not the end of the world. People here are on his side and want him to stay,” said Ek Pech.
Under pressure from the community, Yucatán’s archdiocese delayed a decision on Father Francisco’s ousting until June 27.
Father Francisco said that it was clear to him that he was being punished and that he has no wish to leave his position in Sisal.
Under the Mexican constitution, members of the clergy are prohibited from involving themselves in politics, although this directive is often ignored.
