Pope Francis has appointed Carlos Aguiar Retes as the new archbishop of Mexico City. The 67-year-old has been a priest since the age of 23. He has served as president of the Latin American bishops and the Mexican Episcopal Conference.
The decision was already being anticipated since November 2016, when Pope Francis appointed Aguiar Retes a cardinal. The pope regards him as someone who builds consensus and has the ability to reach agreements with people.
CARD. CARLOS AGUIAR
“I see this call from the pope to be a member of the College of Cardinals, as a sign, a sign that Mexico has something to say to the world. And so, I am very grateful to God, and am asking for help and protection in order to fulfill the mission.”
The new head of the Church in Mexico expressed his gratitude via social networks and also asked for prayers.
Carlos Aguiar becomes the successor to Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, who held the position for 22 years.