Mexico: Priest stabbed in front of cathedral congregation Published duration 16 May 2017

image copyright EPA image caption The suspect, kneeling on the cathedral floor, after his arrest

A Mexican priest is in hospital after being stabbed during Mass in Mexico City's cathedral.

Father Miguel Angel Machorro is said to be in "delicate but stable" condition after Monday evening's attack, according to government and ecclesiastical sources.

A suspect, who was reportedly detained on site as he tried to flee, told law enforcement officials he was a North American artist.

His identity has not been confirmed.

The assault left the priest lying on the ground, with blood soaking his clothes.

He was stabbed in the neck, and some witnesses said it seemed to be an attempt to cut his throat, said La Jornada newspaper.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, where Father Machorro was attacked

At a news conference, the lawyer of the archdiocese, Armando Martínez, told people to pray for Father Machorro.

"We cannot talk about terrorism, we cannot talk about motives because we obviously have no significant facts," he said.

Mexico's Metropolitan Cathedral, situated on the main El Zocalo plaza, is the largest cathedral in the Americas.

image copyright AFP image caption Police standing on guard outside the cathedral after the attack on Monday night