Archbishop de Villa y Vásquez urges prayers for peace as Guatemala faces escalating violence and a national state of siege.
Newsroom (20/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) Archbishop Gonzalo de Villa y Vásquez of Santiago de Guatemala has issued an impassioned appeal for peace and prayer as the country grapples with a surge in violence that has led to national unrest and fear. In a statement released on January 18, the Archbishop described Guatemala’s current state as one of “anxiety and unrest,” urging the faithful to pray unceasingly for an end to the bloodshed.
Speaking directly to his archdiocese, Archbishop de Villa y Vásquez offered condolences “for those who lost their lives today,” invoking the image of Jesus as the “Prince of Peace” and expressing his “prayer that peace may return to our city and its surrounding municipalities.” The Church leader’s statement came amid reports of violent incidents that have left several dead and communities shaken.
In a gesture of pastoral caution, the Archbishop also made the rare move of suspending all evening Masses throughout the department of Guatemala on Sunday. This step, he explained, was meant to “avoid placing anyone else’s life at risk,” reflecting the severity of the nation’s security crisis. His directive underscored the deep concern within the Catholic hierarchy for both clergy and parishioners in areas affected by violence.
The Archbishop’s call extended beyond local boundaries, inviting the global Catholic community to join in prayer “for peace and for an end to the homicidal violence that is afflicting and grieving us at this time.” His appeal echoed the broader sentiment of a country weary of conflict and searching for relief.
Government Declares State of Siege
The same day the Archbishop’s statement was released, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared a state of siege across the entire national territory for 30 days. The exceptional measure comes in direct response to escalating attacks linked to criminal gang structures, including prison riots and assaults on National Civil Police (PNC) officers.
Addressing the nation, President Arévalo justified the decree as a necessary step to protect citizens and ensure internal security. He announced that the government would now be empowered to use “the full force of the State” to counter violent criminal networks threatening stability and public order.
According to reports by ADN Celam—the news platform of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council—the president’s announcement marks one of the broadest security measures invoked in recent years. The decree gives security forces expanded authority to conduct operations, restrict movement, and intervene in areas deemed critical to national defense.
While the government’s actions aim to restore order, Archbishop de Villa y Vásquez’s statement adds a moral and spiritual dimension to the crisis. His message underscores that while state measures can address violence’s immediate manifestations, peace ultimately requires a deeper transformation of hearts and communities.
As Guatemala endures this tense chapter, the Archbishop’s voice offers both a warning and a beacon of hope—a reminder that amid fear and repression, faith continues to seek pathways toward reconciliation and life.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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