A 76-year-old monk has died following an attack at the Santo Espiritu del Monte monastery, located near Gilet, approximately 30 kilometers north of Valencia.
The assault occurred on Saturday morning when a man, allegedly shouting “I am Jesus Christ,” forcibly entered the monastery and attacked the monks during breakfast.
According to the Franciscan order that oversees the monastery, the assailant injured two other monks with a blunt object before being driven away by Brother Angel Ramon, who promptly notified the authorities.
One of the injured monks was later hospitalized in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on Monday afternoon.
Witnesses reported that the attacker, a 46-year-old man with a history of mental health issues and drug addiction, displayed erratic behavior, threatening the monks as he wielded various objects, including sticks and a bottle.
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Following the incident, he fled into the nearby mountains but was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement.
The local council of Gilet confirmed the arrest, and the suspect is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
The incident has left the religious community in profound sorrow as they mourn the loss of their fellow monk.
