La Laguna (Tenerife), 1 (Europa Press)
The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Bernardito Cleopas, presided over the ceremony in the cathedral of La Laguna on Thursday, marking the installation of Eloy Alberto Santiago as the new bishop of the Nivariense diocese. Monsignor Santiago, embracing the episcopal motto ‘to serve’, officially became the fifteenth bishop of La Laguna today.
The Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna had been without a bishop since the resignation of Mons. Bernardo Álvarez was accepted on September 16, 2024, after 19 years of service. Pope Francis appointed Eloy Alberto Santiago as the new bishop on February 24, 2024.
The celebration was designed to accommodate around 1,200 attendees within the cathedral, with additional screens set up outside for viewing. The event saw the attendance of two nuncios, 14 bishops, and over 250 priests.
Among the concelebrants for the ceremony were the titular and auxiliary bishops of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos and Cristóbal Déniz, respectively.
During the ceremony, Apostolic Nuncio Bernardito Cleopas acknowledged former Bishop Bernardo Álvarez for dedicating “his life to the service” of the diocese, while expressing gratitude to “consecrate” Monsignor Santiago, who conveyed that he will now undertake “the trade of love” in “safeguarding and passing on” the faith received.
“In this mission entrusted to you by the Church, numerous priests who coexist with the faithful in every community of the diocese will assist you, sharing their enthusiasm and concerns,” he articulated.
Passing of Pope Francis
The passing of Pope Francis prevented the attendance of certain cardinals and bishops at the ceremony, including Lithuanian Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the coadjutor archpriest of the papal basilica of Santa María la Mayor, who was originally scheduled to officiate the ordination.
The day commenced shortly after 10:30 am with the clergy’s procession to the cathedral. At 11:00, the celebration began, featuring musical contributions from Orfeón La Paz and the Epiphany Choir.
Following the initial procession and rites, the liturgy of the word commenced, leading to the ordination liturgy.
About Monsignor Santiago
Monsignor Santiago was appointed the thirteenth bishop of La Laguna on Thursday. Born on September 8, 1973, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, he entered the Diocesan Seminary of the Canary Islands in 1992, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas.
He was ordained as a priest on July 17, 1999, in the Cathedral of the Canary Islands. After obtaining a degree in dogmatic theology from the Gregorian University, he completed his doctorate in theology at the same institution in January 2004.
Present at his inauguration as bishop of Tenerife was Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, who remarked in statements to the media just before the ceremony that it was “a significant day for the Canary Islands, the Diocese, and the municipality of La Laguna.”
“The bond between the church and the city, as well as the islands, has always been very close, and we are here to ensure respect and collaboration,” stated the regional president.
