Bishop Eloy Santiago Overhauls Nivariense Diocese Ahead of Papal Visit
Bishop Eloy Santiago is restructuring the Diocese of Nivariense to adopt a more synodal approach and integrate more laypeople into leadership roles ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Tenerife.
The Diocese of Nivariense is undergoing a major structural overhaul. According to Cambio 16, Bishop Eloy Santiago is reshaping his administration to reflect a more "synodal" approach—a goal he has prioritized just 13 months into his tenure. These changes, set to take effect in September, are also being fast-tracked to prepare for Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Tenerife.
The most notable change is the streamlining of the diocese’s leadership. Juan Antonio Guedes, a priest known for his conciliatory approach and experience in the Clergy Vicariate, will become the new vicar general. This move replaces the previous dual-leadership structure. Antonio Pérez Morales, a long-standing figure in the curia who guided the diocese through its recent transition, is stepping down from his executive duties for health reasons but will continue his pastoral work at the Los Remedios parish.
The restructuring also emphasizes a greater role for laypeople and women in strategic positions. This commitment to shared responsibility is reflected in several new appointments: Nieves Montesinos will lead the Pastoral Coordination Secretariat, and Rosa Martín will head Social Pastoral and Human Promotion, bringing her experience from Cáritas. Additionally, Jonás Álvarez will oversee Laity, Family and Life; Marta Delgado will manage Youth and Childhood; and the married couple Elena González and Daniel Darias will coordinate the Lay Apostolate.
The diocese’s regional leadership is also seeing significant changes. Ismael Pérez is taking over the Clergy Vicariate, while José Manuel García Matos and Óscar Guerra will lead the La Laguna and La Palma vicariates, respectively. Among the sectoral delegations, Gladys Rodríguez—who is playing a key role in the logistics for the Pope’s visit—will add the Missions delegation to her responsibilities. Permanent deacon Víctor González will expand his role in Education and Evangelization, while Francisco Javier Afonso and Maurizio Errico will lead Health Pastoral Care and Tourism Pastoral Care, respectively.
This move toward a more agile structure with greater involvement from civil society reflects a broader trend across Spanish dioceses, which are working to align with the Holy See’s vision of a more open, less hierarchical Church. By implementing these changes just weeks before the Pope’s arrival, Bishop Santiago aims to present a renewed, modern curia that reflects his vision for the future of the diocese.