Interview with Manuel Antonio Villar in El Correo Gallego

Priest Manuel Antonio Villar Fernández, parish priest of Santa María Antiga do Caramiñal and Santa María do Xobre, in A Pobra do Caramiñal, and San Pedro de Palmeira, in Ribeira, has given an interview to El Correo Gallego following his recent appointment as Delegate for Pilgrimages and the Ways of St James of the Archdiocese of Compostela.

Appointed to this position last July, Manuel Antonio Villar takes on this new responsibility with his sights set on the Holy Year 2027. Among the main challenges, he highlights the need to improve coordination and the welcome provided to pilgrims along the different routes of the Way of St James, as well as helping to recover and convey the spiritual meaning of the pilgrimage to Santiago.

During the interview, he also addresses one of the issues generating the most debate in light of the growing number of visitors: coexistence between pilgrims and residents of Santiago de Compostela. Villar stresses the importance of promoting respect and civic behaviour throughout the entire Way and points out that the joy of reaching the destination must be compatible with respect for those who live in the city.

The conversation also covers the Church's preparations for the next Xacobeo, the transformation Santiago is undergoing as visitor numbers increase, and the possibility that the Pope may visit Compostela for the Holy Year 2027.

You can read the full interview with Manuel Antonio Villar Fernández in El Correo Gallego: