SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 17 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Antonio Manuel Pérez Morales has been appointed as the diocesan administrator of the Nivariense Church and will oversee the governance of this specific diocese, which includes Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, until a new bishop assumes the role.
On Tuesday morning, he made his profession of faith and commenced his new pastoral duties.
Following the Pope’s acceptance of Bishop Bernardo Álvarez’s resignation, as outlined by canon law, the College of Consultors was required to meet “without delay.” Consequently, just one day after Monsignor Álvarez’s episcopate concluded, this assembly of priests convened and, after a confidential vote, appointed an interim leader for the Diocese of Tenerife.
Moving forward, Antonio Manuel Pérez will fulfil the responsibilities and possess the authority of the diocesan bishop, albeit with certain limitations. In this regard, the diocesan administrator will not have the ability to initiate changes or make specific decisions such as appointing parish priests or establishing diocesan associations.
At 58 years of age, Antonio Manuel Pérez Morales hails from Santa Cruz de La Palma. He currently serves as the parish priest of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in La Laguna and is the head of the communications department. He also held the position of vicar general from 2005 until this past Monday when the diocese became vacant.
