UN, pope demand end to violence as Colombia arrests suspect in Cajibio massacre

The United Nations and Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians in Colombia, as authorities announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the April 25 massacre that killed 20 people in the southwestern department of Cauca.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated its "condemnation of direct and indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population" and renewed its call for non-state armed groups to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law.

It also urged the state to strengthen its presence "throughout the entire territory," to reinforce prevention tools, to "guarantee effective investigations," and to provide "all pertinent humanitarian and psychosocial care to the victims."

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV also addressed the crisis during a general audience at St. Peter's Square. The pontiff expressed his "pain and concern" regarding the "tragic situation of violence afflicting the southwestern region of Colombia."

“I urge everyone to reject all forms of violence and to resolutely choose the path of peace,” the pope stated, echoing a recent plea from the Colombian Episcopal Conference for armed groups to "treat the population with humanity."

As funerals were held in the village of La Pedregosa for 11 of the victims, the Colombian government confirmed the arrest of Jose Alex Vitonco, known by the alias "Mi Pez."

Security agencies identify Vitonco as the "top leader" of a local branch of the Central General Staff (EMC), the primary FARC dissident faction led nationally by the country’s most wanted man, Ivan Mordisco.

President Gustavo Petro said on US social media company X that Vitonco was the "man responsible for the murder of people in the terrorist attack carried out in Cajibio."

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez described the detainee as a high-value target and a principal perpetrator of violence in northern Cauca.

"He is one of the main perpetrators behind the massacre of farmers, women, children, and community leaders," Sanchez stated. "He led one of the most dangerous criminal groups in the region."