Parishioners at LA church pray for peace in Mexico after violence sparked by cartel leader's death

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Catholic church in Boyle Heights held a prayer service on Tuesday night, calling for peace in Mexico after the death of a notorious cartel leader sparked a wave of violence that left more than 70 people dead.

Violent clashes erupted as cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of the man known as "El Mencho," one of the country's most powerful drug lords. The Mexican military fatally wounded him after storming his hideout during a raid.

After several very dangerous and frightening days, things appear to have calmed down significantly. The U.S. Embassy says Americans no longer need to shelter-in-place.

At a prayer service at Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa Catholic Church, Southern California residents said they fear for family members living in the affected regions.

"I have many family members in Mexico, and I know that it's been a lot of hysterics in Mexico," said Estella Mendes, who attended the service. "Even in my town, there's a lot of... they're burning cars, houses everywhere."

"I do have some relatives in... just south of Guadalajara where they had this tragedy," said attendee Frank Curiel.

On Sunday, tourists in popular destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, were told to shelter-in-place. The violence disrupted flight schedules, but on Tuesday, Mexican leaders said flights at Guadalajara Airport had resumed. They also reported that roadblocks had been cleared and, if conditions remain calm, schools and some businesses could reopen.

The pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa urged Boyle Heights residents to focus on peace.

"So we're reminding them that, even though their families may be in trouble, even though their loved ones may be going through a difficult time, prayer unites us all," Father Miguel Ruiz said.