Naples, January 31, 2026 – The Parthenopean Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal has issued a search notice for Father John Fredy Gutierrez Sanchez, a 49-year-old Colombian priest who has been missing for several months. Father Sanchez, who was well-known and loved in the Cilento area of Salerno province, is required to appear in court in March for unspecified reasons.
Ecclesiastical Tribunal’s Urgent Appeal
The search for Father John Fredy Gutierrez Sanchez has intensified with the official notice from the Ecclesiastical Tribunal. The notice, disseminated recently, explicitly requests public assistance in locating the priest. “Anyone with information regarding the residence of the Rev. Father Jhon Fredy Gutierrez Sanchez is asked to contact the Parthenopean Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal,” the statement reads.
The urgency of the search is underscored by Father Sanchez’s upcoming court appearance. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 23, though the specific nature of the proceedings has not been disclosed. This adds another layer of mystery to his disappearance, as the Tribunal’s involvement suggests a matter of significant ecclesiastical concern.
Beloved Priest in Cilento Communities
Before his disappearance, Father Sanchez served in several Cilento towns, including Stella Cilento, Piaggine, and Valle dell’Angelo, where he was highly regarded by the local communities. His engaging personality and active participation in community life endeared him to many. For instance, during his tenure as parish priest in Stella Cilento, Father Sanchez’s passion for football led him to join a second-category team, where he famously wore the number 13 jersey, a tribute to Saint Anthony, to whom he is deeply devoted.
In 2019, when Father Sanchez was serving in Piaggine, the community rallied in protest when news circulated that the bishop intended to transfer him. This outpouring of support highlights the strong bond he forged with his parishioners and the significant impact he had on their lives. His absence has left a void in these communities, and many are anxious for his safe return.
Unanswered Questions Surround Disappearance
The circumstances surrounding Father Sanchez’s disappearance remain unclear. While the Ecclesiastical Tribunal has initiated a formal search, details regarding the last known whereabouts of the priest or any potential leads have not been made public. This lack of information has fueled speculation and concern among those who know him.
The focus of the current efforts is to ascertain his location ahead of the March court date. The Tribunal’s decision to issue a public appeal suggests that all other avenues of inquiry have been exhausted or proved fruitless. The unspecified reasons for his required court appearance only add to the intrigue, leaving many questions unanswered about the nature of the proceedings and the reasons behind his prolonged absence.
Community Hopes for Resolution
The communities in Cilento, where Father Sanchez served, are holding onto hope for a swift resolution to this mystery. Many remember him as a dedicated and compassionate priest who actively engaged with his parishioners and contributed positively to the social fabric of the towns. The news of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal’s search has reignited discussions and concerns among the faithful, who are now more actively seeking information that could lead to his whereabouts.
As the March court date approaches, the pressure to locate Father John Fredy Gutierrez Sanchez will undoubtedly increase. The Ecclesiastical Tribunal’s appeal serves as a critical step in this process, relying on the collective effort and vigilance of the public to provide any relevant information that could help shed light on this perplexing disappearance.
The case remains open, and the Tribunal continues to await any credible leads that could help locate Father Sanchez and bring clarity to the situation.
