# Catholic Church response to disappearances in Mexico > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/catholic-church-response-to-disappearances-in-mexico > Updated: 2026-08-28T04:21:51.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3. The Catholic Church in Mexico has introduced a new initiative through its ‘Diálogo Nacional por la Paz’ to support families of the disappeared. This proposal includes incorporating the disappeared into religious prayers, welcoming searching families to weekly celebrations, and establishing ‘peace mailboxes’ within church facilities to facilitate anonymous tips. Following this proposal, the Archdiocese of Mexico officially launched the ‘Buzón de Paz’ (Peace Mailbox) program. The initiative provides a secure, anonymous method for citizens to submit information regarding the whereabouts of missing persons via local parishes. To maintain confidentiality, information must be submitted in sealed envelopes into lockable, non-transparent boxes. While parishes provide the physical space and security, they do not open or process the contents; instead, information is channeled through established Archdiocese procedures. The first municipal installation occurred in Jiquipilas, Chiapas, in the presence of local security officials and members of the ‘Madres Buscadoras’ (Searching Mothers) collective. Recent reports highlight the broader societal impact of the crisis. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that over 130,000 people remain missing in Mexico, urging authorities to translate legal frameworks into effective search operations with adequate forensic capabilities. Additionally, a report by Tejiendo Redes Infancia, titled ‘Hijas e hijos de personas desaparecidas en México’, estimates that approximately 165,000 children and adolescents are living with the absence of one or both parents. The report criticizes the state for failing to identify these ‘invisible indirect victims’ who face risks such as reduced household income, educational disruption, and increased insecurity. In response, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes reaffirmed the installation of ‘peace mailboxes’ to serve as secure channels, while Auxiliary Bishop Francisco Javier Acero has met with searching families to encourage continued advocacy. ## Claims - An estimated 165,000 children and adolescents in Mexico may have a missing parent. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The estimate is based on 103,176 people aged 15 to 49 registered as missing in Mexico as of August 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - More than 130,000 people remain missing in Mexico. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Mexico needs to convert its legal framework on disappearances into effective searches with sufficient budget and forensic capacity. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Less than 2% of investigation files for the disappearance of minors result in convictions. (single source) - The Archdiocese of Mexico will install 'peace mailboxes' to allow anonymous sharing of information regarding missing persons. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Mexico disappearance crisis affects 165,000 children Mexico faces a massive disappearance crisis, with over 130,000 people missing and an estimated 165,000 children potentially affected by having a missing parent, according to recent reports. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-disappearance-crisis-affects-an-estimated-165000-children ### 2026-08-27: Archdiocese of Mexico launches Peace Mailboxes for missing persons The Archdiocese of Mexico has introduced ‘Buzón de Paz’ mailboxes in parishes to allow anonymous reporting of information regarding missing persons, with the first installation occurring in Jiquipilas, Chiapas. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archdiocese-of-mexico-launches-peace-mailboxes-for-missing-persons ### 2026-08-24: Catholic Church in Mexico proposes support for families of the disappeared The Catholic Church in Mexico has proposed four actions to support families of the disappeared, including providing space for 'peace mailboxes' and religious inclusion to aid in the search for truth and justice 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catholic-church-in-mexico-proposes-support-for-families-of-the-disappeared --- Cite as: Catholic Church response to disappearances in Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/catholic-church-response-to-disappearances-in-mexico