Over a century after his death, Porfirio Díaz's remains rest in Paris's Montparnasse cemetery. His great-great-granddaughter Gabriela Bernal Pfennich stated the family opposes repatriation due to vandalism fears and political exploitation. Descendants fund the tomb's upkeep and await a shift in public perception.
Porfirio Díaz died on July 2, 1915, and his remains were buried in Paris's Montparnasse cemetery, France. Great-great-granddaughter Gabriela Bernal Pfennich explained in a social media video that the family, part of the Association of Descendants, believes Mexico is “still not prepared” for his return.
Bernal Pfennich noted that statements from current governments have led to vandalism at the tomb. “The truth is that this bad propaganda used by current governments against Porfirio Díaz's image has made us feel that the tomb is not entirely safe even in Paris,” she said. The family pays for its permanence and maintenance.
While Bernal Pfennich believes Díaz's image “is changing” and is judged more fairly, other descendants like great-grandson Ignacio Díaz Bossero remain neutral. He stated the family avoids official repatriation requests, leaving the decision to the Mexican government and people.
Politically, PRI deputy Samuel Gurrión Matías proposed in 2015 repatriating the remains to Oaxaca to dispel distortions about his figure. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador supported it on January 17, 2024: “Let all who died abroad return.” Despite these positions, the remains stay in France.
