In Mexico City, Church officials have closed the Metropolitan Cathedral after an attack by PRD party followers during a call to noon Mass on Nov. 18. (California Daily Catholic, 11/21). The Church says it will reopen the 16th century Cathedral only if city officials pledge in writing to protect worshipers and assure freedom of worship. However, according to yesterday's California Daily Catholic, Mexican government officials say the the closure is illegal under Mexican law. All church property was confiscated by the government in the 19th century. Under the General Law of Public Property, these places of worship are federal real estate used for religious purposes under a temporary concession from the government. Under the law, the Church has the responsibility to "preserve the integrity of public property under its custody." Only the Secretary of Government has the power to close down a place of worship. Attorney Raúl Carrancá y Rivas said that the Church has violated the rights of third parties by preventing them access to a national monument.
According to a posting at Lonely Planet, the public safety and security director for the Distrito Federal has announced a security plan to protect the Cathedral.
