Due to his unrelenting defense of the indigenous population and peasants struggling for land ownership, Bishop Casaldaliga was seen as an enemy by land barons, miners and loggers.
Garifuna villages along the north coast of Honduras have set up roadblocks to demand answers about the enforced disappearances. “You took them alive, we want them alive!” protesters shouted.
A still-unidentified assailant entered the cathedral's Blood of Christ chapel and threw an explosive device. Flames engulfed the chapel, severely charring a 382-year old image of the crucified Christ.