Pope Francis to Bless Cancún Cathedral in 2025

Cancún, often referred to as the "city touched by God," is set to have a cathedral worthy of its reputation, according to Mara Lezama.

In a recent announcement, Monsignor Pedro Pablo Elizondo Cárdenas, the bishop of the Chetumal-Cancún diocese, revealed plans to invite Pope Francis to consecrate and bless the Cancún Cathedral. The cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the ceremony is planned for December of the Holy Year 2025. The bishop also stated that the invitation could be extended to the papal representative in Mexico, should Pope Francis be unable to attend. "The consecration of the Cathedral will be a significant event for the Catholic community and for tourism in Quintana Roo, showcasing the spiritual richness of our region," he said.

The cathedral, whose construction began over two decades ago, recommenced its final stages of construction this Tuesday in a ceremony led by Governor Mara Lezama. "This is a long-held dream that we are finally seeing realized," the bishop said. Monsignor Elizondo highlighted the increasing interest in religious tourism as a vital sector for the state. "Quintana Roo offers not only its stunning beaches, but also a rich spiritual and cultural heritage that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year," he stated.

The bishop mentioned several religious attractions in the region, including The Sanctuary of the Knot Untier, The Star of the Sea chapel, The Resurrected Christ church, The Marian Encounter and the Way of the Cross at Dolphin Beach, the historic chapel of the Holy Cross in Cozumel, and the iconic Fifth Avenue chapel in Playa del Carmen.

He also noted the 32 tourist chapels located in hotels along the turquoise sea, where confessions and celebrations are held in seven main languages, including Mayan. The bishop concluded by saying, "The consecration of the cathedral in 2025 will not only be a spiritual milestone for Cancún, but will also establish the region as a premier destination for religious tourism in Mexico and across the globe."