Priest Killed, Others Wounded In Monastery Attack By 'Christ' Claimant

Priest Killed, Others Wounded In Monastery Attack By ‘Christ’ Claimant

Published November 11, 2024 at 11:07 PM

Priest Killed, Others Wounded In Monastery Attack By ‘Christ’ Claimant

A 76-year-old monk lost his life on Monday following an attack by a man shouting “I am Jesus Christ” at a monastery in southeastern Spain, according to the religious order.

The incident occurred Saturday morning at the Santo Espiritu del Monte monastery, located in the hills above Gilet, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Valencia. The attacker, reportedly middle-aged, broke into the cloister during the monks’ breakfast, assaulting three members of the Franciscan order with a blunt object.…….CONTINUE READING

Driven away by Brother Angel Ramon, who immediately notified authorities, the attacker fled the scene but was later apprehended in the mountains around the monastery.

One of the victims, critically injured, succumbed to his injuries Monday afternoon. Brother Ramon recounted to El Pais that the assailant appeared mentally unstable during the attack, yelling, “I’m going to kill the brothers, I am Jesus Christ.” The attacker used various objects, including sticks and a bottle, in the assault.

According to the Gilet town hall, the attacker, a 46-year-old Spanish national reportedly struggling with psychiatric and substance abuse issues, is expected to face a magistrate on Tuesday.