Suárez de Mendoza made his solemn entry into Mexico City on October 4, 1580, formally taking up the administration of New Spain.

His amiable character and the attention he paid to public business soon made him a popular figure.

As an honest and upright man, one of his major concerns was ending widespread vice and administrative corruption, which had reached enormous proportions.

This important position was given to Pedro Moya de Contreras, the first inquisitor general of New Spain, and now also archbishop of Mexico City.

His remains were deposited in the Church of San Francisco, and later transferred to Spain for interment in his family tomb.