The former primate of Mexico has died. The Most Rev. Francisco Manuel Moreno passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2024. He was 74 years of age.
Archbishop Moreno studied for the ministry at the San Andrés Seminary in Mexico City, and was ordained deacon in 1972 and priest in 1974 for the Diocese of Northern Mexico. He was elected BIshop of Northern Mexico in March 2010 and in June 2013 he was elected the IV primate of the Anglican Church of Mexico. He retired from office in November 2020.
After irregularities were reported in the election of his successor as Bishop of Northern Mexico, Archbishop Moreno announced he would be taking charge of the diocese while an investigation was held to review charges of electoral fraud. The majority of parishes, including the cathedral in Monterrey, backed his return to office and legal control of the diocese’s assets passed to him.
The standing committee of the Anglican Church of Mexico endorsed Archbishop Moreno’s move, and when the then primate, Archbishop Enrique Trevino Cruz, backed the victor of the contested vote and opposed Archbishop Moreno, the standing committee removed Archbishop Trevino from office, appointing Archbishop Moreno acting primate.
Litigation ensued and the Mexican civil court system in March found in favor of Archbishop Moreno and upheld the deposition of Archbishop Trevino. However, the Anglican Consultative Council gave its backing to the ousted primate and invited Archbishop Trevino to attend this week’s primates meeting in Rome. Questioned as to why the ACC office was backing the deposed archbishop over Archbishop Moreno, a spokesman for Bishop Anthony Poggo said they were monitoring the situation.
