The inauguration is set for May 1 at the Cathedral of La Laguna.
La Laguna (Tenerife), 24 (Europa Press)
Pope Francis has appointed Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, the priest and secretary chancellor of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, as the new Bishop of the Diocese Nivariense (Tenerife).
This announcement was made on Monday by the Apostolic Nunciature to the Spanish Episcopal Conference and subsequently revealed at a press conference conducted by the Diocesan administrator, Antonio Pérez.
The diocese had been vacant following the acceptance of the resignation of Bernardo Álvarez on September 16, 2024, due to his diagnosis of ELA. Since September 17, 2024, Antonio Pérez has taken on the role of diocesan administrator and will continue in this position until the scheduled inauguration of Santiago at 11:00 on May 1 at the cathedral of La Laguna.
The newly appointed bishop 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 earned 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 and subsequently obtained a degree in Dogmatic Theology from the Gregorian University. In January 2004, he achieved a doctorate in theology from the same institution.
In 2003, he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, where, alongside his academic pursuits, he completed a Bachelor of Canon Law at the Gregorian University in Rome.
In 2006, he began his diplomatic service with the Holy See, assigned to the Apostolic Nunciatures of Colombia (2006-2009), South Africa (2009-2013), and Great Britain (2013-2014).
Upon returning to the Diocese of the Canary Islands, he served as pastor in the parishes of Santa Brígida, Our Lady of Madroñal, San Pedro de la Puntilla, San Pío X, and El Salvador (2018-2019), as well as being the rector of the El Salvador Ecumenical Temple (2019-2022).
Since January 2022, he has been the pastor of the Ascension of the Lord, the Assumption of Mary, and Jesus of Nazareth in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Additionally, he is a professor at the Superior Institute of Theology of the Canary Islands (ISTIC) and has been a trainer at the Diocesan Seminary, serving as Secretary General-Chancellor since 2020.
In 2021, he was appointed Episcopal Delegate for Economic Affairs and currently serves as vicar for the economy and heritage. He is also a member of the Delegation for the Clergy and Director of the Commission for the Protection of Minors, as well as participating in the Presbyteral, Economic Affairs, and Diocesan Pastoral Councils.
“A significant and invigorating challenge”
In a message shared with the media, the new bishop expressed his wishes for the “swift recovery” of Pope Francis and extended his gratitude for his appointment. He emphasised that this new chapter in leading the diocese is “a significant and invigorating challenge” aimed at strengthening the “bonds of communion.”
“To serve will be my episcopal motto,” he stated, quoting Jesus, as “the Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Santiago also paid tribute to his “valued predecessor,” Bernardo Álvarez, “who has led the diocese with great warmth for nearly two decades,” as well as the administrator, Antonio Pérez, thanking him for his service.
He also acknowledged “Christians of different confessions and denominations,” extending a “respectful greeting” to the civil, military, judicial, and academic authorities of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offering his “readiness” to collaborate for the “healthy cooperation” that benefits humanity, cultivating a “fairer and more fraternal society.”
Pérez has described the new bishop as “affable” and someone who is not “unknown” in the province, having shared time with him during his studies in Rome.
“I am delighted because it is immensely important and pastoral, and I believe it is a blessing for our diocese of La Laguna. I am confident that time will validate this,” he remarked.
He highlighted the bishop’s proficiency in various languages and his experience in Africa, Colombia, and London, confirming his commitment to continuing the pastoral plan of the diocese.
Continuity in the Pastoral Plan
“With the nuances he will introduce over time, I believe there will be a harmonious continuity. In essence, the characteristics and dynamism of the Church in Europe are very similar across the board,” he added.
However, he noted that the western islands present “peculiarities,” such as population growth, the “challenges of migration dramas,” and the “decline in pastoral personnel.”
In this regard, he emphasised his work to “better coordinate” the various diocese services related to migration and announced that in April, the bishop responsible for migratory issues would visit the archipelago to address the “shortcomings” of the welcome network in the region.
Pérez specifically highlighted the efforts of priests on the island of El Hierro and the reception of unaccompanied migrant minors at the seminary facilities in Tenerife.
When asked about the potential visit of Pope Francis to the Canary Islands, he admitted he is unaware of “anything” beyond the Pope’s expressed desire to personally understand the Canary route, as he has mentioned “on numerous occasions,” although those plans are currently on hold due to health concerns. “We will observe how this situation develops,” he stated.
He also revealed that he had communicated the appointment of the new bishop to Bernardo Álvarez.
“He is increasingly limited; our interactions are not as frequent as we are accustomed. He isn’t as animated, but we are looking after him and attending to his needs as best as we can. It is known that it is an incurable disease, and the aim now is to slow its progression,” he explained.
Pérez took advantage of his appearance before the press to reflect on his time as administrator, expressing gratitude for the “support” of the entire Christian community.
“The diocese has embraced me. I have felt an immense peace and tranquillity that can only stem from God, as my character doesn’t naturally invite such serenity,” he emphasised, reaffirming that his primary aim is to restore “normality” and tackle the difficulties and challenges that have arisen.
