Cancun Cathedral Construction Lags Behind Schedule, No Completion Date Set

Construction of the new Cancun Cathedral with a partially built bell tower and scaffolding

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Construction of the new Cancun Cathedral is progressing slower than expected, with project officials confirming that the goal of completing the structural phase by May will not be met. According to the latest report from project spokesman Mateo Karam, the first phase of the church is only 78% finished, and no new completion date has been set.

The report, released on May 26, shows an increase of just 13 percentage points since March 23, when the work was at 65%. Over the past two months, progress has been gradual, and the organization behind the project continues to seek donations from the faithful.

Work is currently focused on the monumental bell tower, considered the cathedral’s centerpiece. Karam explained that the tower will stand 26 meters tall and is meant to represent more than 500 years of Catholic history in Quintana Roo. So far, it has reached only 11 meters, leaving 15 meters still to be built.

The spokesman said the tower will hold six bells that he hopes will be heard across Cancun and Quintana Roo, calling the Catholic community to worship. He described the space as a spiritual and architectural symbol for the city, designed to lift “the gaze toward God” before entering the church.

Despite the delays, the project continues fundraising campaigns, urging citizens to contribute financially to speed up construction. The work remains dependent on private donations and the support of believers to reach completion.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx