Pope Francis has accepted the resignation presented by the Bishop of Tenerife (Spain), Mons. Bernardo Álvarez, on July 29, upon his 75th birthday. The Nivariense Diocese remains in a situation of vacant headquarters.
Thus, as reported the canarian diocese“the power of the general and episcopal vicars ceases, and the Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council are dissolved, with the College of Consultors responsible for the government of the diocese until the appointment of the diocesan administrator.”
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As detailed by the diocese, “the Holy See has ordered that the election of the diocesan administrator be carried out by said body”, which has been convened for this Tuesday, September 17 and is made up of a group of priests who have the mission of advise the residential bishop of each diocese.
The Nivarian diocese remembers that on September 4, when it was 19 years since his episcopal consecration, Bishop Álvarez stated: “I hope that, soon, the Pope will appoint another bishop because I am in poor health. “A bishop who is capable of shepherding this diocese with a spirit of service and love for all people.”
“I invite you to pray for me so that the Lord gives me strength and patience to face the situation I am experiencing. Let us also pray for each other, for this diocese, so that the Lord sends us a good shepherd,” he added.
Born in 1949 in the town of Breña Alta (Island of La Palma), Mons. Álvarez began studying as a technical architect in 1967 until two years later he entered the diocesan seminary of Tenerife.
Ordained priest in 1976, he was parish priest for 11 years and carried out various diocesan responsibilities, until he was elected vicar general in May 1999. He has been Bishop of Tenerife since 2005.
In the Spanish Episcopal Conference he has been a member of the Episcopal Commission for Clergy and Seminaries and president of the National Committee of the Permanent Diaconate.
Nicholas de Cardenas
Born in 1980, I am a Spanish husband and father and journalist with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital media, specializing in sociopolitical and religious information. I have worked for more than 10 years in defense of human rights and have accreditations in Journalism and Comprehensive Communication. Since July 2022, I have been a correspondent for ACI Prensa and EWTN Noticias in Spain, covering international events of the Catholic Church.