The Diocese of David in Panama announces the disappearance of Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuan under unknown circumstances.
Written by Devin Watkins
Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuan, Bishop of David, was last seen at his residence in David City, Panama, on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 30.
The Diocese of David announced on Thursday, February 1, that his disappearance had been reported to the police, who immediately began an investigation.
Little is known about the circumstances of Cardinal Lacunza's disappearance, although the possibility that he was kidnapped has not been ruled out.
In a press release on Thursday, the Diocese of David requested prayers for the cardinal.
“At this moment, we ask the Holy People of God to join us in continuous prayer, so that we can quickly, with one heart, like the heart of Jesus, be reunited with the shepherd of our diocese,” the letter read.
In a separate statement, the Panama Bishops' Conference also called on the faithful to pray for Cardinal Lacunza.
Pope Francis appointed him a cardinal in 2015, making him the first cardinal in Panama's history.
He belongs to the Order of Augustinian Remembrances (OAR), founded in 1588.
Cardinal Lacunza received the Pope in Panama in 2019 on the occasion of World Youth Day.
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