1. On five continents and nearly 60 countries
2. Scant presence in Spain
3. Three fundamental pillars
4. With young people, families, and in the educational field
5. Media
6. Apostolic visitation from the Holy See

On five continents and nearly 60 countries

It has spread across the five continents and operates in nearly 60 countries, including Spain. In total, it has more than 12,000 members, of whom 275 are priests, 10 of whom are bishops. There are a hundred seminarians, and 225 consecrated men and women in celibacy.

In Spain, the person in charge of the Emmanuel Community is Sergio Sánchez along with his wife Sheila. They both got to know the Community in their parish in Toledo, during an Easter organized for young people. At that time, they were still dating and were part of the youth group in the parish.

Scant presence in Spain

Compared to other countries, the presence of the Emmanuel Community in Spain is limited. There are currently just over 30 members throughout Spain. They include single laypeople, married couples, consecrated individuals, and clergy.

Three fundamental pillars

Sergio Sánchez explains to Religión Confidencial that the Emmanuel Community is characterized by three fundamental pillars. The first is adoration, which must be manifested in “a deep love for the Eucharist and prayer, especially adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament”.

The second pillar is compassion, which consists of “living Christian charity, service to others, especially the most vulnerable”.

Thirdly, evangelization. “Proclaiming Jesus Christ with joy, in parishes, missions, universities, media, etc.”.

In the words of the person in charge of this movement in Spain, he likes to define themselves “as the charismatics of the Heart of Jesus”.

With young people, families, and in the educational field

Among its main activities, youth formation stands out, through the “Emmanuel Jeunes” group, which seeks accompaniment for teenagers and spaces for young people where they deepen their faith.

Another task they carry out is serving families, couples, children. Or as “Emmanuel Kids”, “Emmanuel Teens”, “Amour et Vérité” (service to couples and families) gather these activities.

Media

Evangelization in media and through publications is another point to highlight. Its person in charge in Spain emphasizes that  Emmanuel produces books, events, international sessions, the EmmanuelPlay platform (TV/web training).

In addition, they carry out specific works through foundations such as “Tierra de Promesa” a housing and accompaniment project, which seeks to offer a home and support to young people who find themselves in situations of vulnerability or at risk of exclusion in France.

From the Fidesco Foundation, they promote development cooperation in southern countries. And from Emmanuel Education, they work with young people, families, teachers and staff, as well as with directors and school institutions, with the aim of revitalizing the education of young people.

Apostolic visitation from the Holy See

In March 2025, the Emmanuel Community announced that they had requested an Apostolic Visitation from the Vatican (a term the Holy See uses to refer to an inspection), due to certain tensions in the central government. The Apostolic Visitation concluded with the resignation in August 2025 of its highest-ranking official, Michel-Bernard de Vregille.

Asked if this situation has affected the Community, he acknowledges that yes, but in the central governing bodies in Paris; it has had no impact on the life of the community in Spain.

Regarding this action by the Holy See, Sergio Sánchez assures that they are “grateful for the Church’s concern for us, and for its desire to accompany us, so that the grace of Emmanuel can continue to be at the service of the Church (as the decree indicates)”.

The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has confirmed the interim government (therefore, it is not a guardianship) and encourages the Community to continue its mission, according to its statutes, wherever it is present.