The rector of the Basilica of Guadalupe, Canon Efraín Hernández Díaz, is under canonical investigation following the opening of a preliminary procedure ordered by the Archdiocese of Mexico, due to a series of alleged serious irregularities related to his pastoral and administrative management at the head of the country’s main Marian shrine.
The information gathered by Sursum Corda, Infovaticana blog shows that the events date back to last September, when the Guadalupan chapter sent a formal letter to the Primate Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, exposing a series of situations that, in their opinion, could constitute violations of canon law and put at risk the proper administration of the enclosure.
The intervention of the Archbishop of Mexico
After receiving the communication from the chapter, Cardinal Aguiar decided to remove the rector from his position and order the opening of a preliminary canonical investigation. The decision was recorded in a decree dated September 20, by which Hernández Díaz was separated from the rectory and also ceased to belong to the Guadalupe chapter, although he retained his ministerial licenses.
In parallel, the archbishop appointed an interim rector, a role that fell to the vice-rector and archpriest of the Basilica, while the process of clarifying the facts progressed.
Ongoing investigation and possible audit
The preliminary canonical investigation was formally opened on October 3, 2025, and has included interrogations of the chapter’s canons. The procedure, identified as IP 17/2025, would have confirmed the application of disciplinary measures and the effective separation of the rector from his position.
According to the published information, the Mexican Episcopal Conference is following the development of the case with attention and would be considering the conduct of a thorough audit of the finances of the Basilica of Guadalupe, given the doubts that have arisen about the patrimonial administration of the shrine.
The case reaches Rome
One of the most relevant elements of the case is that the situation would have been brought to the attention of Pope Leo XIV. According to Sursum Corda, the Pontiff would have ordered that the investigation continue through the canonical route from the Archdiocese of Mexico, through its ecclesiastical tribunal.
A striking fact that would reinforce the gravity of the moment was the celebration of the traditional Mañanitas Mass on December 12, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio in Mexico, Monsignor Joseph Spiteri, on behalf of the Pope, breaking with the custom that said celebration be led by the rector of the shrine.