Tension between Opus Dei and the bishopric of Barbastro, in Huesca, has reached a new level since Pope Francis decided to take the reins of the conflict they face. This dispute, which has lasted for years, revolves around the management of the sanctuary of Torreciudadan important place of pilgrimage which attracts around 200,000 visitors each year and generates significant revenue.
The iconic shrine, inaugurated in 1975, is a symbol of Opus Dei, and its economic control is a source of controversy. According to journalist Jesús Bastante, “there is a conflict of interests… It is an economic and power conflict that involves a lot of money.” Due to this situation, the Holy See decided to intervene decisively.
The Pope named Alejandro Arellano as pontifical plenipotentiary commissionerwho will assume control and make decisions related to Torreciudad. This appointment has been officially announced and Arellano is expected to resolve the conflict that has long opposed the two parties.
For its part, Opus Dei published a statement in which is committed to collaborating in whatever is necessary to facilitate the managerial transition. But that’s not the only problematic issue for the religious organization, which is also facing a review of its statutes by the Vatican. Jesús Bastante points out that “they will probably stop considering it as the only personal prelature in the world and compare it to a clerical association.”
