The Archdiocese of Tijuana has issued an informative note that confirms the relapse of Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barrón in his battle against lung cancer, diagnosed three years ago. The 71-year-old prelate experienced significant deterioration in recent days, leading to emergency hospitalization and the implementation of palliative care. Amid the uncertainty, the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Tijuana has not ceased in prayers and support for the prelate, remembering the faith and struggle of the pastor who has guided the diocese since 2016.
Archbishop Moreno Barrón, originally from Salamanca, Guanajuato, and ordained a priest in 1979, has faced this illness with a serenity that draws attention. «In my condition as a patient, I want to be a witness to the resurrection,» he expressed in one of his first statements, reflecting his pastoral commitment even from his hospital bed. However, the progression of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma—a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure—has complicated his health, now affecting both lungs and requiring supplemental oxygen.
The October 24 note details that over the weekend of October 19 and 20, the archbishop presented with intense chest pain, general malaise, fatigue, and low oxygen saturation, attributed to complications from previous lung studies. Radiological studies revealed significant infections and lesions in the base of the left and right lungs, directing treatment toward palliative care with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and respiratory support. Moreno Barrón is conscious and serene, «in God’s hands,» according to the statement signed by Vicar General Israel Ángeles Gil and Auxiliary Bishop José Velasco Arias.
This relapse occurs in the context of the 2025 Jubilee Year, dedicated to hope, where pilgrims from the region pray for the prelate’s health. The archdiocese invites the faithful to join in this «pilgrimage of hope,» offering Masses and rosaries for his intention.
Based on notes published by the Archdiocese of Tijuana and reported through Infovaticana, the archbishop’s illness dates back to 2022 and has included surgeries, chemotherapies, and immunotherapies.
In 2022, persistent pains began in the left lung, initially diagnosed as unresolved pneumonia. The archbishop continued his pastoral activities, but the discomfort worsened progressively.
In April 2023, on Palm Sunday, the first intervention was performed surgically via thoracoscopy to drain pleural fluid in the left lung, wash the organ, and perform a biopsy. The procedure, carried out during Holy Week, confirmed the diagnosis of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, an aggressive pleural cancer. The archbishop entered isolation to avoid infections and issued his first statement requesting prayers.
In May 2023, updates revealed a delicate situation, with postoperative complications that included a perianal abscess that nearly caused septic shock. «My life was nearly over,» he confessed in his second report. He began advanced oncological therapies based on «precision medicine» at the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) in Mexico City, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He temporarily moved to a priests’ house to receive intensive treatment.
In the 2023-2024 period, a series of six surgical interventions and four cycles of oncological treatments took place. In May 2024, a second major surgery to remove the pleura and affected organs. The archbishop periodically returned to Tijuana for diocesan activities, using a mask and limiting air travel due to postoperative risks.
June 2024, chemotherapy began at the INCAN on June 10, completing six sessions. On June 29, the archdiocese highlighted the prelate’s inner peace despite the fatigue.
August 2024, pending results from PET studies to evaluate post-chemotherapy progress. The diocese calls for prayers emphasizing Moreno Barrón’s role in social, border, and pastoral closeness issues.
April-May 2025, new hospitalization in Mexico City (April 21-30) due to swelling and infection requiring abscess drainage (April 23). On May 17, the possible origin of the cancer from past asbestos exposure was confirmed, and he reaffirmed his episcopal ministry, participating virtually in liturgical events on May 15.
July-August 2025, specialized studies conducted on July 31 showed significant progress, greater luminosity in the lower left lobe, invasion of the mediastinum and right lung. On August 24, in his 22nd report, he acknowledged the cancer’s advancement to both lungs after three years of struggle, but maintains his faith: «I am at peace, ready to serve the Church.» He began an intravenous immunotherapy protocol and oral medications on August 27 at the INCAN, returning to Tijuana on August 29.
October 2025 (weekend of October 19-20), new acute relapse with respiratory complications. Hospital admissions from October 18 to 24 for CT scans (chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT), lab studies, and medication administration. Diagnosis of pulmonary infections and bilateral lesions; start of palliative care with oxygen and antibiotics, the October 24 informative note details the critical but faith-optimistic outlook.
