The body of an Italian priest was found in the Peruvian mountains; investigation is ongoing
The body of a priest was found in the Peruvian mountains. The clergyman was discovered sitting dead on a rock. The Italian missionary had been missing for several days. The search included the local bishop, who identified the body.
8:17 AM EDT, September 4, 2024
The search for Father Giuseppe (José) Messeti began over a week ago. The 72-year-old went into the mountains and did not return from his expedition. The clergyman was a missionary working in the Andean region of Peru.
On August 31st, the priest's body was found on a rock in the upper part of the Ricrán district, in the Jauja province, in the Peruvian Andes. The clergyman was found sitting dead on the rock, holding a backpack.
How did Father Messeti die? According to preliminary findings, traces of beating were found on the clergyman's body and face. However, it is possible that the priest fell into an abyss and could not call for help.
The local portal diariocorreo.pe reports that the search for the 72-year-old priest involved the ordinary of the Diocese of Tarma, Timoteo Solórzano Rojas. The bishop who recognized the body.
The last hike of the deceased priest. What is known?
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the missionary's death. It is known that the deceased priest set out early in the morning to the Ricrán/Tambillo district, located in the Jauja province.
The Italian clergyman stated that he would return to the community around 8:00 PM; however, he did not make it back.
When it became clear that he did not arrive on time, we informed the local police station. In the morning (August 30th), we began searching for him. His car was found, but the priest was not inside, added the bishop, as quoted by the portal aciprensa.com.
Additionally, Peruvian investigators have ordered an autopsy of the deceased priest. The results will reveal the cause of his death.
