Spanish archbishop expects 10 million visitors to shrine in 2004

Published: 2004-01-22

WARSAW, Poland (CNS) -- The Spanish sanctuary of Santiago de Compostela is expecting 10 million visitors during 2004 after inaugurating a Holy Year to coincide with the enlargement of the European Union. "The pope has called Santiago the spiritual heart of Europe, and this year will highlight the shrine's importance for our continent's unity," Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio of Santiago de Compostela said in a Jan. 21 telephone interview with Catholic News Service. "Our aim is to instill hope for Europe by ensuring the renewal of Christian life for all pilgrims who come to the tomb of the apostle here," the archbishop said. The Santiago shrine dates from the eighth century and marks the site where the bones of St. James the Apostle were brought to Spain's Galicia coast, according to legend.

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