A New Chapter in the Church
This Saturday, the diocese of Tortosa will witness the episcopal ordination of Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat. After years of experience in Vatican diplomatic spheres, this priest is preparing to take on a new role. His career in Rome has been remarkable, but now he is faced with the challenge of leading a diocese with its own dynamics.
Discontent with the Archbishop of Urgell
The appointment of Serrano Pentinat has not gone unnoticed by the current Archbishop of Urgell, Joan-Enric Vives. Sources close to him indicate that he feels slighted by the Vatican, considering that his recommendations for the succession have been ignored. His frustration translates into a perception of betrayal by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with whom he maintains a strained relationship.
A new leader at the Cathedral
The ordination ceremony of the new bishop will not be presided over by Vives, but by the Venezuelan Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, a prominent figure in the Vatican. This decision has been interpreted as a symptom of the growing distance between Vives and the ecclesiastical authority, which seems to have chosen a different path than he had imagined.
The Passage of Time and Broken Expectations
Vives’ journey to the archbishopric has been marked by political maneuvers and strategies to consolidate his power. However, his aspirations collided with Rome’s decision to appoint Juan José Omella as Archbishop of Barcelona, an election that changed the dynamics of power within the Catalan Church.
A Lost Ally
Norbert Miracle, a priest who had been one of Vives’ main allies, has also seen his career come to a screeching halt. Previously considered a candidate with potential, he now finds himself in a precarious position, far from the power he had imagined. This fall from grace illustrates the internal tensions that mark the present day church.
Reflections on the Future of the Church
The panorama that opens with the ordination of Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat may indicate a significant change in the relations between the ecclesiastical authorities and Catalan politics. As tensions become apparent, it remains to be seen how this new stage will play out and what impact it will have on the religious community and its interactions with the Vatican.
