Bishop Oscar Cant leaving Diocese of Las Cruces

Pope Francis had a message for Las Cruces at 4 a.m. on Wednesday: Bishop Oscar Cantú is leaving for California.

“It’s a blow,” said Deacon Jim Winder, the vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces. “I understand the greater wisdom of the church and God, but it is a difficult thing for us.”

The Diocese of Las Cruces has only had two bishops since it was established in 1982. Winder told ABC-7 he will miss Cantú’s leadership.

“He has a very keen sense of just what’s fair. Trying no matter what, whether it’s popular or not, to do what’s right.”

“It saddens me,” said Gloria Vigil, a devout Catholic in Las Cruces. “We loved our last bishop and we’ll love our next bishop.”

Cantú will replace Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, who has headed the Diocese of San Jose since 1999. Once McGrath turns 75 years old, he must retire.

Pope Francis has not yet announced who will lead the Diocese of Las Cruces after Cantú leaves in September.