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2 historic churches in Mexico City reopen almost 9 years after earthquake damage

July 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Almost nine years after the earthquakes that shook central and southwestern Mexico in September 2017, St. John of God Church and Holy True Cross Church, both located in Mexico City, have reopened their doors for worship.

On July 8, a Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, marking the communityʼs return to their church and concluding a lengthy restoration process.

Start of the reopening Mass at Holy Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City

The earthquakes of Sept. 7 and 19, 2017, resulted in 468 deaths and caused damage to thousands of buildings.

In Mexico City alone, around 160 Catholic churches suffered structural damage of varying severity such as these two churches located just a short distance apart.

Restoration work at the Holy True Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City

5 centuries of history Holy True Cross Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the country.

According to tradition, the explorer and conquistador Hernán Cortés ordered the construction of a small chapel to commemorate the landing of the Spanish expedition at the port of what is now known as the state of Veracruz. Over time, that…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Sophie Moreau

It’s good to see these two churches reopened after almost nine years. The July 8 Mass at Holy True Cross must have warmed the hearts of the parishioners who waited so long. I hope that the work has taken into account future tremors, especially for a building that dates back to Cortés.

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ქეთევან ლომიძე

It is good that these two churches opened their doors, especially the Holy True Cross, which is five centuries old. But I'm interested in how they strengthened the walls to withstand the next earthquake - it happens often in Mexico.

Serge Martin

Yes, this is good news for the parishioners who have waited almost nine years. I also hope that the engineers have reinforced the structures against future shaking, especially for such an old building. Have you ever visited a Mexican church restored after an earthquake?

Георгий Петров

It's good that these two churches have finally opened, especially Holy True Cross with its five centuries of history. I wonder how they strengthened the walls after that earthquake in 2017 - in Mexico it shakes often. I hope it will last for a long time now.

Michel Girard

Yes, it’s reassuring to know they are open again, especially Holy True Cross with its five centuries of history. I hope that the work has incorporated anti-seismic reinforcements, as we have seen on other Mexican sites. Have you ever tasted a typical dish from Veracruz, Sophie, to put you in the mood of the Cortés era?