(ZENIT News / Urgell, Spain, 07.13.2024).- On July 24, Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília of Urgell will celebrate his 75th birthday and, as required by canon law, submit his resignation from his pastoral duties in the diocese of Urgell, Catalonia, Spain. In a proactive move, Pope Francis has already named his successor, revealing on Friday, July 12, that a seasoned diplomat will step into this pivotal role.
The diocese of Urgell is not just any diocese. Its bishop holds a unique dual role as one of the two co-princes of the Principality of Andorra, sharing the head of state duties with the President of France. This arrangement dates back to the 11th century when the title was split between the bishop of Urgell and the count of Caboet. Over centuries, these co-princely rights evolved to include the bishop of Urgell and the French head of state, creating a rare blend of religious and secular authority.
The New Bishop of Urgell and Co-Prince of Andorra
Pope Francis has appointed Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat as the new coadjutor bishop of Urgell. Currently serving as a Counsellor of Nunciature in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, Serrano will automatically assume the position of bishop once it becomes vacant, as stipulated by the Code of Canon Law.
Born on March 19, 1977, in Tivissa, Tarragona, within the diocese of Tortosa, Serrano has an impressive academic and clerical background. He completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the major seminary of Tortosa and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Faculty of Theology of Catalonia in Barcelona. Ordained as a priest on April 21, 2002, in Tortosa Cathedral, he furthered his education in Rome, obtaining a Licentiate and Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University. He is also a graduate of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in diplomatic studies.
Serrano’s pastoral career began as a deacon in the parish of l’Assumpció de Maria in Amposta and continued with roles as parish priest in several parishes within the diocese of Tortosa. His academic contributions included teaching positions at the major diocesan seminary and the Institute of Theology «San Agustín» in Tortosa. His diplomatic service has taken him to apostolic nunciatures in Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Brazil, and since 2019, he has been a Counsellor of Nunciature in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.
Monsignor Vives i Sicília has served as the co-prince of Andorra since July 10, 2003, blending ecclesiastical duties with the constitutional responsibilities of a head of state. His successor, Serrano, will also undertake this dual role, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
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