Fernando García, the newly appointed secretary general of the Spanish Conference of Religious (CONFER), warned that political polarization over the migration situation in Ceuta is "poison" for society, in one of his first major interviews since taking on the role.
García, a member of the Salesian order, spoke on the radio programme 'La Linterna de la Iglesia' with host Álvaro Sáez. His term as head of CONFER, the body representing religious congregations and orders across Spain, runs until 2030.
During the interview, García described religious life in Spain as "an authentic ecosystem of life" that is going through a period of transformation while continuing its work of community service.
Concerns over Ceuta migration crisis
Turning to the situation in Ceuta, the Spanish autonomous city on Africa's northern coast that has long served as an entry point for migrants trying to reach Europe, García said he was concerned about social coexistence in the territory. He said polarization around the issue amounts to poison for public life.
He said the rule of law must be upheld, but added that this cannot mean building a wall against seeing the human being standing in front of you.
García explained that CONFER's Justice and Mission department is in direct contact with Cáritas, the Catholic Church's charity arm, as well as with the religious congregations working on the ground in Ceuta. He said discernment is needed from everyone, and that action is needed too, so that simplistic labels do not obscure what he described as a complex humanitarian problem.
Pastoral outreach to young people
Asked about the spiritual concerns of younger generations in schools and parishes, García pointed to the evangelizing mission carried out by religious orders. He said young people need to hear that encountering Jesus is worthwhile, framing that message as a response to pressures such as haste, loneliness and a lack of role models in their lives.
To meet those needs, García said he wants to strengthen spaces for encounter, listening and community life carried out jointly with lay collaborators. He stressed the importance of finding the right words to communicate the Gospel authentically and in a way that resonates with young people today.
Protecting abuse victims
García also addressed the Church's commitment to safeguarding and the rollout of PRIVA, the Comprehensive Reparation Plan for Abuse Victims. He said the priority going forward is to build on the lessons learned in recent years.
He said receiving victims requires spaces of security and trust so that their pain can be understood and they can be accompanied properly.
García said it is therapeutic for victims to see that their testimony has also led to the creation of new structures designed to prevent abuse from happening again. Looking ahead to his term, he said strengthening this comprehensive protection system through prevention and a framework of restorative support remains a priority.
CONFER represents religious congregations and orders operating in Spain, coordinating their institutional and pastoral work. García previously served within the Salesian order, which is dedicated in large part to the education of young people, before being elected to lead the organisation.
