The unexpected resignation of Archbishop Gabriel Mestre, only 55 years old, marks a significant moment for the Archdiocese of La Plata. Having taken over the leadership from Cardinal Fernández, Mestre’s tenure was expected to continue the work and vision of his predecessor. However, his unexpected resignation leaves the faithful of La Plata in a state of uncertainty.

Editor (27/05/2024 Gaudium Press) In a surprising and sudden development, Archbishop Gabriel Antonio Mestre, 55, who succeeded now-Cardinal Victor “Tucho” Fernández as the Archbishop of La Plata just ten months ago, has resigned. The resignation was made public at Roman noon, and as of now, no official explanation has been provided by the Holy See, the Argentine Bishops’ Conference, or the La Plata Curia.

Full Text of Archbishop Gabriel Mestre’s Resignation

La Plata, Monday, May 27, 2024
Memory of St Augustine, Archbishop of Canterbury

Dear sisters and brothers of the Archdiocese of La Plata,

“I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips” (Is 6:5). With this phrase from the prophet Isaiah, I began my words of gratitude on the day of my episcopal ordination in Mar del Plata in 2017. Today I repeat them once more, aware of my weakness and the human weakness of the beautiful Church that is my home and my family. A Holy Church by the Mystery of the Trinity, a sinful Church because of the fragility of the people who are part of it.

Days ago, the Holy See summoned me to Rome to discuss some aspects of the Diocese of Mar del Plata after my transfer to the Archdiocese of La Plata when I was appointed metropolitan archbishop by Pope Francis.

In the Eternal City, after confronting some differing perceptions about what happened in the Diocese of Mar del Plata from November 2023 to the present, Pope Francis asked me to resign from the La Plata see. With deep peace and total rectitude of conscience before God for how I acted, trusting that the Truth sets us free (cf. Jn 8:32), and with filial and theological obedience to the Holy Father, I immediately drafted my resignation, which was accepted and made public today.

Dear community of the Archdiocese of La Plata, today I cease to be your pastor. I want to tell you that I have been very happy these past eight and a half months, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have enjoyed every encounter with the laity of all ages, with the consecrated men and women, with the seminarians, deacons, priests, and auxiliary bishops. Thank you for making me feel at home! Thank you for your gestures of kindness and courtesy in each of the visits! Thank you for inviting me to be part of your lives! I truly experienced the diversity and depth of faith in God among many of you, a committed faith that built me up and enriched me more than once.

It pains me to leave, it pains me to depart as the pastor of this Particular Church that pilgrims in La Plata, but I am sure that God has much better plans that I cannot fully decipher today. I trust in the Lord because Christ is our peace (Eph 2:14)! I will always carry you in my heart, I will pray for you, and I entrust you to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the intercession of Blessed Ludovica and Blessed Eduardo Pironio, so that you can prepare for this new stage in waiting for the new pastor that the Lord will give you through the beloved Pope Francis.

I embrace you strongly in Jesus the Good Shepherd, with the affection and love always.

+Arch. Gabriel Mestre

What This Means for the Archdiocese of La Plata

The resignation of Archbishop Gabriel Mestre marks a significant moment for the Archdiocese of La Plata. Having taken over the leadership from Cardinal Fernández, Mestre’s tenure was expected to continue the work and vision of his predecessor. However, his unexpected resignation leaves the faithful of La Plata in a state of uncertainty.

The reasons behind this resignation remain unclear as neither the Holy See, the Argentine Bishops’ Conference, nor the La Plata Curia have provided an official statement. The sudden nature of this decision and the absence of an explanation have left many speculating about the underlying factors.

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj