Monsignor Santiago has officially taken on his role this Thursday as the bishop of the Nivarian diocese, where he has implored God for “a wise and kind heart” to aid all those in need.
La Laguna (Tenerife), 1 (Europa Press)
The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Bernardito Cleopas, officiated this Thursday at the cathedral of La Laguna during the formal possession of Eloy Alberto Santiago as the new bishop of the Nivariense diocese. Monsignor Santiago, under the episcopal motto ‘to serve’, has today become the fifteenth bishop of La Laguna (Tenerife). In his inaugural remarks as bishop, he appealed for a “wise and kind” heart towards the community and advocated for public-private collaboration to support those who are most vulnerable.
The Diocese of San Cristóbal de la Laguna had been vacant since the acceptance of the resignation of Mons. Bernardo Álvarez on September 16, 2024, after serving as bishop for 19 years. On February 24, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Eloy Alberto Santiago as the successor.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the new bishop toured the interior of the cathedral and stepped outside to extend his first greeting to the faithful gathered there.
“To God the Father, I seek illumination through the gift of wisdom, to assist me in my endeavours, that I may come to know what is pleasing, who knows and understands all things, and will guide me prudently in my actions, keeping in me the brilliance of a wise and insightful heart that enables me to embody what I have pledged during this celebration,” he stated.
In honour of Pope Francis, whom he thanked for his appointment, he recalled the Pope’s words at the beginning of his papacy: “The Church does not evangelise if it does not continually renew itself.” He emphasised the need for a new direction where the Word of God is “essential,” “heard and celebrated,” and continues to shape the heart of all ecclesiastical activities.
“I ask for a wise and intelligent heart to be compassionate and understanding towards the poor, immigrants, and all those in need,” he shared. He highlighted the most “impoverished and vulnerable,” those working “under precarious conditions without decent work,” and those facing challenges “to establish a family” or even secure housing, as well as migrants reaching the Canary coasts.
For these individuals, and for the people entrusted to him, he requested from God a “kind and understanding heart,” to lead them “to Jesus Christ, our hope that never disappoints (…), and that as a bishop, and in partnership with other public and private organisations—he continued—we can work on their behalf.”
The celebration was designed to accommodate around 1,200 guests within the cathedral, with screens set up outside for additional viewing. The event included the presence of two nuncios, 14 bishops, and over 250 priests.
Notable concelebrants during the ceremony included the titular and auxiliary bishops of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos and Cristóbal Déniz, respectively.
The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Bernardito Cleopas, acknowledged the former Bishop, Bernardo Álvarez, for dedicating “his life to the service” of the diocese, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to “consecrate” Monsignor Santiago this Thursday, who has conveyed that he is now committed to “the ministry of love” through the stewardship and transmission of the faith received.
“In this mission entrusted by the Church, you will be supported by many priests who walk alongside the faithful in all the parishes of the diocese, sharing in their hopes and concerns,” he stated.
Death of Pope Francis
The passing of Pope Francis resulted in the absence of several cardinals and bishops at the ceremony, including Lithuanian cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, a coadjutor archpriest of the papal basilica of Santa María la Mayor, who was initially slated to officiate the ordination.
The day commenced shortly after 10.30 am, with the clergy procession leading into the cathedral. At 11.00, the celebration began, featuring musical contributions from the Orfeón La Paz and the Epiphany Choir.
Following the entrance procession and the initial rites, the liturgy of the Word commenced, followed by the ordination liturgy.
About Monsignor Santiago
Monsignor Santiago has become the thirteenth bishop of La Laguna on Thursday. He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on September 8, 1973, and entered the Diocesan Seminary of the Canary Islands in 1992, where he obtained a Bachelor in Theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas.
He was ordained a priest on July 17, 1999, in the Cathedral of the Canary Islands. After securing a degree in dogmatic theology at the Gregorian University, he earned a doctorate in theology from the same institution in January 2004.
Among the dignitaries attending the inauguration of the bishop of Tenerife was the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, who remarked to the media just minutes before the ceremony started that it marked “a significant day for the Canary Islands, the Diocese, and the municipality of La Laguna.”
“The relationship between the church and the city, as well as with the islands, has always been very close, and certainly, we are here to express our respect and above all our collaboration,” stated the regional president.
