Priest left fighting for life after being stabbed during mass in front of shocked tourists
A PRIEST is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the middle of a mass in front of shocked tourists at Mexico City’s cathedral.
The priest was stabbed during mass at Mexico City's cathedral
Father Miguel Angel Machorro was knifed in the neck and torso in front of dozens of people.
Photos from the scene show the priest lying on the floor covered in blood.
Two women and a police officer were seen surrounding Father Machorro as emergency services rushed to the scene.
We cannot talk about terrorism, we cannot talk about motives because we obviously have no significant facts
He was airlifted to hospital with reports of him “struggling between life and death” and in a “delicate” condition.
The knifeman was arrested at the scene as he tried to flee the Metropolitan Cathedral.
La Jornada newspaper said the knifeman appeared to attempt to cut the priest’s throat.
WARNING - GRAPHIC AND DISTRESSING CONTENT BELOW
The priest was stabbed in the neck and torso
The attack took place in front of a congregation including local residents and tourists.
According to local news Father Machorro attempted to escape as the knifeman launched his attack.
It is unclear what the knifeman’s motives were as he carried out the attack in the cathedral - one of the busiest churches in the region.
The suspect was arrested at the Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City
Archdiocese lawyer Armando Martinez said: "We cannot talk about terrorism, we cannot talk about motives because we obviously have no significant facts.”
Priest Jose Aguilar said: “United in prayer for Father Machorro, who just received a stab in the neck in the Cathedral.”
Local media said the suspect is believed to be a 28-year-old Frenchman named John Rock Schild.
He was pictured kneeling on the cathedral floor shortly after the attack.
Detectives continue to question him as prayers flood in for Father Machorro.
Guards are seen outside the Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City
The attack took place during a cathedral mass
The Metropolitan Cathedral on the El Zocalo plaza is the largest cathedral in the Americas.
Police have handed over the investigation to the Central Investigation Agency.
In recent years violence against members of the Catholic Church in Mexico has escalated with at least 15 priests murdered in regions of the country blighted by violence and drug trafficking.