Pope Leo XIV sends message as Guadalupe Jubilee Year opens in Mexico City

The Guadalupan Jubilee Year opened on October 12, 2026, the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the new Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the faithful gathered for the opening Mass in the basilica, urging them to step up the work of evangelization and not to neglect charitable aid.

Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, archbishop primate of Mexico City, presided at the Mass. The pope's message was read during the ceremony by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The papal message: Mexico's Christian roots

The pope said he wished to join in the thanksgiving for the basilica's anniversary and encouraged those present to mark the date in spiritual union with Mary, whom he called the "Mother of the true God for whom one lives." He said Christian roots "are deeply interwoven with the history of Mexico."

The pope urged them to keep strengthening the work of evangelization, so that the light of the word of God, the consolation of the sacraments and charitable aid reach everyone, with a preference for those most in need. He closed by invoking the maternal protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe on those attending and giving his apostolic blessing.

Cardinal Aguiar's homily

In his homily, Aguiar spoke of the central place Mary holds in the lives of the faithful, saying that "we have a Mother who has revealed to us the true God for whom one lives, and who watches over us and hears our prayers." He asked those present to turn to her with confidence.

Aguiar said the mission of evangelization can be carried out with the help of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady of Guadalupe. In his prayer he asked that the grace of the jubilee reach all who make a pilgrimage to the basilica during this period. He also gave thanks for Mary's presence among her people, recalling the faith of their ancestors, handed down from generation to generation.

Conditions for the plenary indulgence

The pope granted the Jubilee Year through the Apostolic Penitentiary. It marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the new Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe and the transfer of the venerated image of the Virgin, which took place on October 12, 1976. The celebration also falls on the 131st anniversary of the pontifical coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Those who visit the Casita Sagrada de Santa María de Guadalupe, take part in liturgical services or spend time in prayer may obtain the plenary indulgence. They must meet the conditions set by the Church: confession, Holy Communion, recitation of the Creed and prayer for the pope's intentions.

The Jubilee Year runs until October 12, 2027.