Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay passed away on August 11, two months after being shot. The senator was hospitalized in Bogotá. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, confirmed his death via Instagram. Uribe Turbay was born in Bogotá on January 28, 1986.
4 months ago
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay died on Monday, August 11, 2025, more than two months after being shot by an assassin 1 2 3. The 39-year-old politician had been hospitalized in critical condition at the Santa Fe Foundation Hospital in Bogotá since the attack 1 3. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, confirmed his death, expressing profound grief and praying for guidance to live without him 1 3.
Born on January 28, 1986, in Bogotá, Miguel Uribe Turbay came from a prominent family; his father was businessman Miguel Uribe, and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was murdered in 1991 after being kidnapped by order of Pablo Escobar 1 3 4. Uribe Turbay, who had a Maronite Catholic family background, held various public offices before being elected to the Colombian Senate in 2022 1 3. He was a candidate for the Democratic Center political party, led by former President Álvaro Uribe, and was considered a strong contender for the 2026 presidential elections 1 3 4. He is survived by his wife, young son Alejandro, and three daughters from his wife’s previous relationship 1 3.
Senator Uribe Turbay was shot twice in the head and once in the leg on June 7, 2025, during a political campaign event in Fontibón, a district in western Bogotá 1 3 4. The assassination was carried out by a 15-year-old boy, who was wounded and arrested while fleeing 1 4. Colombian authorities have since arrested members of the crime gang accused of organizing the attack, though the full motive remains unclear 1 4.
Following Uribe Turbay's death, leaders across Colombia expressed their sorrow and condemned the violence. Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, Archbishop of Bogotá and Primate of Colombia, urged the nation to unite, reject all forms of violence, and pray for peace and a renewed conscience 1 3. The Colombian Bishops’ Conference also released a statement expressing solidarity with his family and calling for the authorities to thoroughly investigate the assassination 4.
Former President Álvaro Uribe lamented that "Evil destroys everything; they have killed hope," while former President Iván Duque stated that "terrorism robbed us of a promising figure for Colombia" 1 3. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán, whose own father was assassinated by Pablo Escobar's orders, recognized Uribe Turbay as "a great human being, an honest and courageous leader" and called for his assassination to be a turning point, demanding that the crime not go unpunished 1 3. The Colombian Bishops echoed this sentiment, urging the nation to uphold "Liberty and Order" to guarantee integral human development 4.
What is the Church's teaching on political violence?
The Catholic Church generally opposes political violence, emphasizing that violence is not a suitable means for achieving liberation or resolving societal problems , . It views violence as contrary to the Christian spirit and capable of leading to further oppression .
However, the Church's social doctrine acknowledges extremely rare circumstances where armed resistance to political authority might be considered legitimate as a last resort , . This is often discussed within the framework of "just war" principles, which aim to limit the outbreak and conduct of war .
For armed resistance to be considered legitimate, several strict conditions must be met:
Even when these conditions are met, the Church strongly prefers passive resistance, considering it "more conformable to moral principles and having no less prospects for success," especially given the destructive nature of modern weaponry , .
The Church also condemns specific acts of violence, whether perpetrated by established powers or insurgents, such as:
The Church recognizes the right and obligation of nations to defend human life and the common good against threats like terrorism and aggression, including the persecution of religious groups , . However, this defense must involve moral assessment, restraint, and respect for ethical limits on the use of force, always prioritizing the protection of human dignity and life , , .