Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Crossing Continents

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Travel

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

BBC Radio 4 FM

Crossing Continents: Mexico: Exorcising Evil

Factual

Mexico: Exorcising Evil

28/11/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Mexico: Exorcising Evil

Why Catholic priests in Mexico believe they can fight drug trafficking through exorcism.

Vladimir Hernandez meets the Mexican Catholic priests who believe the country's drug wars are evidence that Mexico is in the grip of the devil and are fighting it through exorcism.

Vladimir Hernandez follows the Mexican priests who believe they can fight the evil of drug trafficking through the ancient Catholic practice of exorcism.

It is estimated that 60,000 people have died in Mexico in the "drug wars" linked to the narco-traffickers, who are among the most vicious criminals in the world. To some Catholic priests and believers, this is clear evidence that the Devil has taken hold among much of the population. They also point to the popularity of cults like that of "Santa Muerte", the saint of death, who is a figure of popular veneration among some of the narco-gangs. The priests are responding by practicing exorcisms, both in private and public, as they seek to expunge this evil. Vladimir watches dramatic individual and mass exorcisms, hears from those who have been through the rite and talks to critics and supporters of the practice.

Producers: Keith Morris and Mark Savage.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Crossing Continents

Mexico: Exorcising Evil

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4