Archbishop of Rio Condemns Journalist´s Murder

The archbishop appealed to the authorities for greater security for the population, the ACI Catholic news agency reported.

Globo television journalist Tim Lopes, 51, had disappeared June 2 while investigating drug use in Vila Cruzeiro, a Rio slum.

Police said Lopes was tortured by a local drug lord, then executed with a Samurai-style sword, before his body was burned, the Associated Press reported.

Archbishop Scheid told the press he was deeply saddened "over the cruel murder of reporter Tim Lopes. I sympathize with his wife and relatives, and offer fervent prayers to the Lord for his eternal happiness."

"I lament that individuals like him are torn from our midst because of their desire and effort to eradicate the evil that surrounds us," he added.