Pilgrim Statistics and Projections

[Rosina Lila]

In the base figures for your projections you show a total number of pilgrims
for 2002 as 74,000; yet, it was recently stated by those in charge that about
270,000 pilgrims made use of the 150 publicly sponsored albergues in that
year.
It would appear that the number of pilgrims that receive the Compostela
constitutes less than 25% of the total number of pilgrims.
About a month ago La Voz de Galicia estimated that as many as 10,000 pilgrims
per day were expected to arrive in Santiago around the 25th of July next
year, and they were wondering how would the Archdiocese manage the logistics of
issuing Compostelas, keep some form of plausible movement within the Cathedral,
etc.
       Those of us who made the pilgrimage last year, or within the last few
years, could not have helped noticing the impressive economic resurgence in
Spain and other European countries. That, and the recent emotional and political
upheavals surrounding the war in Irak and the increased activities of the
ETAS, etc. could very well throw the pilgrim estimates for next year off the
charts.
Moreover, the Pope has expressed a desire to visit Santiago for the Holy
Xacobean day next year.
During the Pope's recent visit to Madrid three million Spaniards converged on
that city; one can only imagine the impact, multitudes-wise, of a Pope's
visit to Santiago in July of next year..