Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cancún–Chetumal is a suffragan of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Yucatán. It was elevated from a Roman Catholic Territorial Prelature on 15 February 2020.

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History

Elevation to Diocese

Originally the Territorial Prelature of Chetumal, the diocese was erected on 23 May 1970 by Pope Paul VI. It was renamed the Territorial Prelature of Cancún–Chetumal on 20 December 1996, reflecting territorial expansion into Cancún. On 15 February 2020, the prelature was elevated to a diocese by Pope Francis. This elevation was received well by the Mexican bishops, represented by the CEM secretary Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola.
The diocese has both a cathedral in Cancun and a co-cathedral in Chetumal. Its cathedral church is named Catedral de la Santa Cruz y la Santísima Trinidad and its co-cathedral is Catedral del Sagrado Corazón.

Catedral de la Santa Cruz y la Santísima Trinidad

The cathedral church in Cancún was under construction for over 20 years and was completed in 2025. Bishop Elizondo had invited Pope Francis to consecrate the finished church prior to the Pope's death in 2025. Its atrium is 25 meters tall, topped with a 12 step Mayan pyramid and cross. This combines indigenous symbolism with a reference to the 12 apostles. There is also a cenote baptistery chapel, recalling the first Mayans baptized in the region in 1518.
The complex around the cathedral also houses a community center offering medical, legal, psychological, and occupational services.

Territory and culture

Territory

Currently, the diocese's territory is equivalent to the territory of Quintana Roo. This includes the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Contoy, and Holbox to the north and west of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Culture

The diocese is multilingual and has a reputation for ministering to tourists, including 32 chapels on beaches and in resorts. As of 2025, Mass and confession are said in seven languages, including Spanish and Mayan.

Society of Saint Pius X

The Fraternal Society of Saint Pius X is active in the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal. Bishop Elizondo publicly critiqued the group and discouraged Catholics from attending their services in 2024, following similar statements from other dioceses in Mexico, Honduras, and Panama.

Bishops

The territory's first two prelates were members of the Legion of Christ. In 2020, the territory was elevated to a diocese, so its bishop assumed the title of Ordinary rather than Territorial Prelate.