Arturo Lona Reyes (95)

Arturo Lona Reyes was a Mexican bishop who served as the Catholic bishop from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. He served in his position for 30 years before resigning from his diocese in 2001.

Lona Reyes joined the church in Tehuantepec in 1971, where he took a radical view on the social situation in the city. His teachings and beliefs were based on those espoused in the Second Vatican Council of 1962 and included seeking a “popular church”, able to assist the poor and facilitate social justice. In 1972 he presided over the Episcopal Commission for Indigenous People. To benefit local producers he established two agricultural co-operatives—one exporting organic coffee to Europe and another to sell sesame—with profits shared equally between members. He was famous for providing advice to indigenous peoples resisting mining, wind and timber projects on their land.

On June 29, 1995, Lona Reyes was the victim of an assassination attempt by gunmen. He is believed to have been targeted because of his role as chairman of the Tepeyac Human Rights Centre in Tehuantepec. Throughout his career he was physically attacked 11 times.

He died of the coronavirus on October 31, 2020.