The Cathedral of Morelia was the setting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for a Mass of thanksgiving for the episcopal ministry of the emeritus archbishop Carlos Garfias Merlos. The celebration, presided over by Garfias himself and concelebrated by Archbishop José Armando Álvarez, gathered the faithful, clergy, and emeritus bishops, marking the close of a stage dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation in a region marked by social challenges. During the homily, the emeritus archbishop read the letter titled «Comprometidos por la paz y la reconciliación,» a document that summarizes his legacy and calls for unity in times of crisis.
Garfias Merlos greeted with affection the «people of God and people of good will,» emphasizing that his message is directed to all those committed to peace. He explained the context of his resignation, a norm established in the Code of Canon Law that requires bishops to submit their resignation upon reaching 75 years of age. «Last Friday, January 9, 2025, I presented my resignation to the Holy Father Leo XIV,» he detailed, adding that the acceptance was published on Monday, January 19, 2025. With this, he is exempt from pastoral responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Morelia, handing over the pastoral staff to the then coadjutor, José Armando Álvarez Cano.
He expressed gratitude toward Álvarez Cano and the universal Church, offering his availability to collaborate as emeritus bishop in promoting peace, a theme that has defined his trajectory. «I have served throughout my life as a promoter and artisan of peace,» he affirmed, recalling his work in various dioceses and as a formator in the seminary of Morelia, as well as his role in spiritual movements. This offer of collaboration resonated among those present, many of whom applauded spontaneously, recognizing his tireless work in a state like Michoacán, where violence and inequalities have been constant challenges.
The core of the letter focused on the «construction of peace,» a concept that Garfias Merlos described as an art that is nurtured in the intimacy of the human being and extends to all spheres of society. «Peace is formed, revitalized, and maintained in the most intimate part of the human being,» he read with a serene but firm voice. He insisted that building peace involves sharing in daily service, in education, homes, schools, and community spaces. He highlighted dialogue as an essential tool to overcome differences, foster respect for life, and care for the «common home,» in reference to Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’.
In a global context of crisis, the emeritus archbishop underscored the urgency of dialogue not only to agree, but to build from disagreements, eradicate violence, and rebuild human dignity. «The crisis our world is going through is a demonstration of the emergency, the importance, and the need to dialogue,» he emphasized, calling to elevate and rebuild the person in their integrity. This reflection took on special relevance in Michoacán, a state battered by social and environmental conflicts, where Garfias Merlos has been a key figure in reconciliation initiatives.
The pastoral document also listed concrete actions for peace in the state, recognizing the «urgency» of this theme in local communities. Garfias Merlos mentioned his persistence in accompanying victims of violence and promoted the continuity of structures such as the Michoacán Council for the Construction of Peace and Reconciliation, municipal committees, dialogue and security tables, the Juntos por Michoacán network, the Interreligious Council, the Economic and Social Council of Michoacán. These organizations, along with civil society, must continue generating «paths, projects, and programs» for significant changes in the Church and society, promoting a «civilization of love.»
The letter invited the faithful to join in thanksgiving for his 50 years of ministry, including his service in previous dioceses and in the Archdiocese of Morelia. «I ask you to join me in thanksgiving for the 50 years of priestly life and ministry,» he expressed, requesting prayer and unity in the Church. He closed by invoking the Most Holy Mary Our Lady of Health, Saint Barnabas of Jesus Méndez Montoya, and the Venerable Vasco de Quiroga, patrons of peace and communion.