The Vatican has officially announced the appointment of Eloy Alberto Santiago as the new bishop of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife. The announcement was made public on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM, coinciding with the time when the Nunciature Apostólica communicated the decision to the Spanish Episcopal Conference.
Santiago, who currently serves as the secretary-cancellor of the Diocese of Canarias and has been the vicariate for economy and heritage, takes over the role following the resignation of Mons. Bernardo Alvarez Afonso, who stepped down on September 16, 2024, citing age-related reasons. Since Alvarez's departure, the diocese has been managed by Antonio Manuel Pérez Morales, who will continue until Santiago's official ordination.
Born on September 8, 1973, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Eloy Alberto Santiago began his religious education at the diocesan seminary of Canarias in 1992, obtaining his bachelor's degree in theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas. He was ordained as a priest on July 17, 1999, and continued to advance his theological education, obtaining both licentiate and doctoral degrees from the Gregorian University in Rome.
After entering the diplomatic service of the Holy See, he served at nuncios in countries including Colombia, Southern Africa, and Great Britain from 2006 until 2014. Following his return to Canarias, Santiago became the parish priest of various locations and also held academic roles, such as teaching at the Institute of Higher Theology of the Canary Islands. His multifaceted experience prepares him for the responsibilities he will undertake as bishop.
The episcopal ordination of Eloy Alberto Santiago is scheduled for May 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Cathedral of La Laguna. This significant ceremony marks the official commencement of his role, which he embraces with enthusiasm. "It is my wish, as St. Paul says, to celebrate and live our faith with joy and peace for all of you and for our diocesan community, of which I already feel a part," Santiago expressed to the faithful.
During his first public message to the people of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife, Santiago emphasized unity and the importance of collaboration among laity, clergy, and consecrated life. He pointed out the "exciting challenges" facing the diocese and urged everyone to open themselves to the action of the Holy Spirit, fostering bonds of communion within the Church's legitimate diversity.
Santiago's episcopal motto, "ut ministraret," meaning "to serve," is reflective of his approach to the ministry he has been entrusted with. He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Mons. Álvarez, for his years of dedicated service and looked forward to building upon the foundations laid.
Diocesan administrator Antonio Pérez commented on Santiago's impending leadership, indicating the expectation of continuity within the diocese. Pérez stated, "Santiago has built rich and beneficial experiences for the Nivariense diocese and has already indicated his desire to follow the main lines of our pastoral plan. We anticipate 'a discontinuous continuity,' as is the spirit of our Church, especially considering the unique challenges posed by the Canarian demographics and issues like migration."
Pérez also humorously remarked, "The new bishop should prepare himself for the intense Marian year awaiting us, particularly with the fervent celebrations of Our Lady of Candelaria, which is deeply rooted within our community.”
Finally, the Vatican highlighted the significance of Santiago's appointment not only from administrative perspectives but also considering the socio-economic realities extant within the Canary Islands. Eloy Alberto Santiago aims to engage with civil authorities, military, judicial, and academic representatives to work for the common good and humanitarian dignity within these communities.
This new appointment aims at fostering reconciliation, charity, and collaboration, which Eloy Alberto Santiago hopes will lead the people of his diocese toward greater faith and community.