Pope Francisco

The Vatican begins the process for the replacement of Julián Barrio, archbishop of Santiago

The Holy See has launched the succession of Monsignor Julián Barrio at the head of the Archdiocese of Santiago. Vatican sources indicated that the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid has begun a period of consultations in order to prepare the shortlist that will be presented to the Congregation for Bishops and in turn to Pope Francis, who will be the one to name the new archbishop of Santiago. However, this transition process could last a few months, since “there is no urgency,” according to these sources. In fact, the papal nuncio in Spain, Monsignor Bernardito Auza, “wants to do things well”, which is why he has launched this consultation aimed at other bishops and priests, who are receiving letters from the diplomatic representation in envelopes without a return address. and with the imposition of pontifical secrecy, so that they can express themselves about the situation of the diocese or the ideal qualities for the new pastor. They are even encouraged to directly propose candidates.

75 year limit

In any case, it is intended to be a friendly process that also serves as recognition and gratitude towards Monsignor Barrio, after three decades of “generous dedication” to the Compostela Church. In this sense, it is worth remembering that the prelate sent his resignation to Pope Francis on August 16, 2021, the day he turned 75 years old. He did so by virtue of what is established in canon 401.1 of the Code of Canon Law: “A diocesan bishop who has reached the age of 75 is requested to present the resignation of his office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will provide for it taking into account all the circumstances.” .

Everything indicated at that time, as it happened, that Pope Bergoglio would keep Monsignor Barrio at the head of the see of Compostela at least until the conclusion of the Holy Year, which was extended until the end of 2022 due to the extension that the pontiff himself granted. . Thus, everything indicates that the closing of the Xacobeo also represented a turning point for the Archdiocese in terms of pastoral direction.

The fact that the Nunciature has launched the succession operation does not mean that it will take place in a matter of weeks, but it does mean that “there can be an appointment at any time”; and that it is very likely that in the coming months the Diocese of Santiago will have a new archbishop. This is also what Monsignor Barrio himself would want, who to people close to him would have expressed his desire for this process to begin as soon as the jubilee closes, at the end of 2022.

Sources from the Archbishopric of Santiago admitted that the succession process has been underway “from the moment he turned 75 and presented his resignation to the Pope,” although they clarified that the appointment of his successor is a matter that is exclusively the responsibility of the Pontiff and that It can occur “at any time.” “There are no set times but it could be imminent,” they admitted.

Born 76 years ago in Manganeses de la Polvorosa, province of Zamora and Diocese of Astorga, Monsignor Julián Barrio has presided over the Compostela church since February 25, 1996, the date on which he took possession of the headquarters for which he had been appointed by the Pope. John Paul II on January 5 of the same year.

When this event occurred, he had already been linked to the capital of Galicia for two years. He had arrived from the sister church of Astorga on February 7, 1993, in the middle of the jubilee year, being consecrated in the Cathedral of Santiago as titular bishop of Sasabe and auxiliary to his predecessor, Monsignor Antonio María Rouco Varela. From October 1994 until his appointment he governed the archdiocese as diocesan administrator.

Already archbishop of Santiago, he held the position of president of the Episcopal Commission of Seminaries and Universities of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. Since 1999 he has been a Permanent member of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.

The names that sound for the miter

The battery of possible candidates includes well-known ecclesiastics, such as Monsignor Rodríguez Carballo, or the current bishops of Lugo, Ourense, Getafe or Astorga.

Although we must start from the foundation that the Lord’s designs are inscrutable and from the saying that “whoever enters the Conclave becomes a Cardinal”, it cannot be ignored that for some time now several names have been heard in ecclesiastical forums as possible candidates for succeed Barrio. The procedure that the Vatican usually follows for the appointment of bishops usually passes at least two essential filters, before reaching the Pope: first, the consultation and preparation of the initial report by the Nunciature of each country; and second, the approval of the Congregation of Bishops, which is the one that presents the final shortlist. In the last hours, in Rome they had already received a proposal that failed to satisfy the desired profile. Some ecclesiastical circles maintain that the name of Monsignor José Rodríguez Carballo, titular archbishop of Belcastro and current secretary general of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, could not be missing from that final list. Born in Lodoselo (Ourense) in 1953, he was one of Francis’ first episcopal appointments in 2013, a few weeks after his accession to the throne of Saint Peter. The personal relationship that exists between the Jesuit Pope and who was for ten years (2003-2013) general of the Franciscans is recorded. “Pepe, how you can tell that you are Galician!” Pope Bergoglio once said to the friar from Ourense. Carballo is currently 69 years old, so he could have a six-year pontificate ahead of him until he requests retirement at 75. In addition, the prefect of the Congregation of which he is general secretary, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, fulfilled 75 years old in April 2022, so the Vatican will have to find a successor for him. Other names that resonate strongly are those of the Galician prelates Monsignor Alfonso Carrasco Rouco; Monsignor Leonardo Lemos, bishop of Ourense; Monsignor Jesús Fernández, Bishop Astorga; Monsignor Francisco Prieto; auxiliary bishop of Santiago; and also that of Monsignor Ginés García Beltrán, bishop of Getafe and with an ecclesiastical career in full ascendancy in Spain partly because he has the support of the cardinal of Madrid, Monsignor Osoro. Monsignor Alfonso Carrasco, nephew of Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela, has long been said to be the natural successor of Monsignor Barrio, while Monsignor Jesús Fernández, who began his episcopal ministry as auxiliary of Santiago, has a very good opinion. I remember in this Archdiocese, especially among the clergy and the faithful. Another factor to take into account is that, in addition to Monsignor Barrio, in Galicia the bishop of Tui-Vigo, Monsignor Luis Quinteiro Fuiza, has also recently presented his canonical resignation after turning 75, so the Holy See will also have to Look for a new owner for this headquarters soon.

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