Joan Enric Vives i Sicília facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend ArchbishopJoan-Enric Vives |
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Vives in 2022
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| Co-Prince of Andorra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reign | 12 May 2003 – 31 May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Predecessor | Joan Martí i Alanis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Successor | Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Co-Prince | Jacques Chirac (until 2007) Nicolas Sarkozy (2007–2012) François Hollande (2012–2017) Emmanuel Macron (from 2017) |
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Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília (born 24 July 1949) is a Spanish Catholic leader. He was the Bishop of Urgell and an important leader of Andorra. He served as a Co-Prince of Andorra from 2003 to 2025. This means he was one of the two heads of state for Andorra.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília was born in Barcelona, Spain. His birthday is on 24 July 1949. He was the third son in his family. His parents, Francesc Vives i Pons and Cornèlia Sicília Ibáñez, ran small shops.
When he was 16, in 1965, he joined the seminary. A seminary is a special school where people study to become priests. There, he learned about humanities, philosophy, and theology.
Becoming a Priest and Bishop
In 1974, Joan-Enric Vives became a priest. This happened in his home church in Barcelona.
Later, on 9 June 1993, he was chosen for a higher role. He became an auxiliary bishop of Barcelona. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area. He was also given the title of titular bishop of Nona. This is an honorary title.
On 5 September, he officially became a bishop. This ceremony is called an episcopal consecration. It was performed by Ricardo María Carles Gordó, who was the Archbishop of Barcelona.
Leadership in Urgell and Andorra
In 2001, Pope John Paul II gave him a new role. He was named coadjutor bishop of Urgell. A coadjutor bishop is like an assistant bishop who is expected to take over the main role later.
On 12 May 2003, the previous Bishop of Urgell, Joan Martí Alanis, retired. Joan-Enric Vives then became the new Bishop of Urgell. With this role, he also became a Co-Prince of Andorra.
The Role of Co-Prince
Andorra is a small country with a unique system. It has two heads of state, called Co-Princes. One Co-Prince is always the Bishop of Urgell. The other Co-Prince is the President of France. This means Joan-Enric Vives shared leadership of Andorra with the President of France.
On 10 July 2003, he took an important promise. This was the Constitutional Oath as Co-Prince of Andorra. He did this at Casa de la Vall in Andorra la Vella, the capital city.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI gave him a special personal title. He became an archbishop.
Retirement and Successor
On 12 July 2024, Joan-Enric Vives was almost 75 years old. At this age, bishops usually offer to resign. Pope Francis then named Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat as the new coadjutor bishop of Urgell. This meant Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat would take over when Vives retired.
On 31 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted Joan-Enric Vives' resignation. This marked the end of his time as both the Bishop of Urgell and the Co-Prince of Andorra.
Awards and Honours
Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília has received several important awards. These awards recognize his service and contributions.
Andorra:
Cross of the Seven Arms (Awarded on 10 July 2024).
Portugal:
Grand Cross of the Order of Christ (Awarded on 5 March 2010).
Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (Awarded on 14 October 2024).
See also
In Spanish: Joan-Enric Vives para niños
