Catholics expresses shock over killing of activist priest in the Philippines

Mourners pay their respects during the funeral of activist priest Fr. Marcelito "Tito" Paez in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, north of Manila, Philippines, December 11, 2017. The Catholic Church expressed shock and calls for justice over the recent killing of activist priest Fr. Marcelito Paez. Fr. Paez was gunned down by unknown assailants last December 4, hours after he helped in the release of a political prisoner in Cabanatuan city. The death of Fr. Paez comes in the wake of recent killings of protest leaders throughout the country. The Catholic Church is a major influence in the Philippines, with 86 percent of Filipinos identifying themselves as Catholics. Photo: Ezra Acayan/NurPhoto (Photo by Ezra Acayan/NurPhoto via Getty Images)