Roman Catholic Church warns of growing influence of drug cartels in some Mexican cities

Catholic Church warns of cartel control in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Roman Catholic Church says drug cartels now control parts of some cities and warns that the gangs may be trying to influence this year’s state elections.

The Archdiocese of Mexico says in an editorial that organized crime groups may try “to impose candidates” in the July 4 elections that will decide 12 of Mexico’s 31 governorships. I

It says cartels may also try to impede voters from going to the polls.

The editorial posted Sunday on the archdiocese’s website says drug gangs are intimidating governments in some states and “control entire neighborhoods in some cities.”

More than 22,700 people have died in drug-related violence since Mexico launched an anti-drug offensive in late 2006.