Overview
- Carlos Garfias Merlos said he will present his formal resignation to the Pope on January 9, 2026.
- He stated that, once accepted, the transition will take effect immediately with coadjutor José Armando Álvarez Cano becoming Archbishop of Morelia.
- There will be no sede vacante, no temporary administrator, and no new appointment required for the coadjutor.
- Economic administration was handed over in August, involving about 20 million pesos, and pastoral responsibilities were transferred on December 16.
- Garfias retains authority to reassign priests until the process concludes, will be designated bishop emeritus afterward, and plans to continue peacebuilding work in regional council roles.