Cancún Cathedral Construction Sparks Legal Battle Over Green Space

Cancún, Mexico — The Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal has defended the legality of its ongoing construction of a new cathedral in Cancún’s Supermanzana 33, adjacent to the Ombligo Verde ecological reserve. The project has faced opposition from environmental activists, who filed a legal injunction this week to halt the construction and expand the protected area.

Church Asserts Compliance with Permits

In an official statement, the Diocese stated that the project "emerges from the heart of the community" and is being carried out with "love, legality, and respect for the environment." The Church emphasized that all necessary permits and licenses have been obtained from relevant authorities and confirmed that the Benito Juárez municipal government has verified the land is not within the protected reserve.

The Diocese described the cathedral as a socially and community-oriented project, which will include a family support center and charitable initiatives. "The cathedral in the jungle, a jungle that embraces its cathedral," the statement read, noting that specialists have been consulted to ensure ecological balance. The Church also clarified that no public funds are being used, with the project financed entirely through private donations.

Activists Demand Suspension of Construction

Despite the Diocese’s assurances, environmental activists remain opposed. Katherine Ender, an environmental lawyer representing the collective Salvemos Juntos el Ombligo Verde, confirmed that an injunction has been filed to permanently suspend construction and formally request the land’s reintegration into the reserve.

"They are trying to justify their actions with invalid documents. Protected species inhabit this area, and there has been no updated management plan since 2013, which means this space must be preserved," Ender said in an interview. She added that despite assurances from environmental authorities to residents of Supermanzana 33 that no ecological damage has occurred, the collective pursued legal action due to insufficient guarantees for the area’s protection.

Concerns Over Urban Green Space

Biologist and activist Graciela Saldaña reiterated concerns, calling the Ombligo Verde one of Cancún’s last urban green lungs and a habitat for protected species such as the chit palm. She argued that the lack of an updated management plan represents an environmental debt to the city and that priority should be given to expanding—not reducing—the reserve.

As the legal process unfolds, the Diocese has called for "unity, peace, and mutual respect" and pledged to continue construction "with transparency and hope." The case now rests with the judiciary, which will determine whether construction can proceed or if the land must be reintegrated into the Ombligo Verde ecological reserve.