Church on Roselín's femicide: 'Her death wounds all of society'

Cardinal Adalberto Martínez has strongly condemned the wave of violence gripping Paraguay, particularly the brutal murder of 14-year-old Roselín. Speaking during the Novena of the Virgin of Asunción at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Asunción, Martínez described the femicide as a profound wound to the victim's family and to the entire society.

“

Her death wounds her family and our entire society.

"When an adolescent or a child suffers, the whole body suffers," Martínez stated, emphasizing that preventing violence must be an urgent, collective commitment. He alerted the public to the "inner storms" many young Paraguayans face, including addiction, depression, loneliness, and a lack of opportunities. These silent struggles, he warned, "shackle freedom and extinguish dreams." The Cardinal appealed to families, educators, and institutions to extend a supportive hand to youth before it is too late.

“

When an adolescent or a child suffers, the whole body suffers.

Addressing the Novena's theme of caring for the "Common Home," Martínez broadened the concept beyond environmental protection to include the urgent defense of human life. "We cannot speak of caring for creation while a life is despised, exploited, or abandoned," he insisted, demanding concrete mechanisms for social support and intervention to prevent further tragedies.

“

These silent problems 'shackle freedom and extinguish dreams.'

Martínez reiterated that femicides like Roselín's and other crimes against children and adolescents deeply affect the social body and the "Mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church." He called for strengthening prevention efforts and creating safe environments where every life is respected, cared for, and protected. The Cardinal's message came amidst a massive pilgrimage of thousands of young people.

“

We cannot speak of caring for creation while a life is despised, exploited, or abandoned.