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The Most Reverend Archbishop
Joan-Enric Vives
Joan-Enric Vives, 2022.jpg
Vives in 2022
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)
Bishop of Urgell
See Urgell
Appointed 25 June 2001 (Coadjutor)
Enthroned 12 May 2003
Reign ended 31 May 2025
Predecessor Joan Martí i Alanis
Successor Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat
Orders
Ordination 24 September 1974
Consecration 5 September 1993
by Ricardo María Carles Gordó
Rank Archbishop ad personam
Personal details
Born (1949-07-24) 24 July 1949 (age 76)
Barcelona, Spain
Denomination Roman Catholic Church
Parents
  • Cornèlia Sicília Ibáñez
  • Francesc Vives i Pons
Previous post Coadjutor Bishop of Urgell (2001–2003)
Auxiliary Bishop of Barcelona (1993–2001)
Titular Bishop of Nona (1993–2001)
Motto Parare vias Domini
Coat of arms {{{coat_of_arms_alt}}}

Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília was born on July 24, 1949. He is a Spanish Catholic leader. From 2003 to 2025, he was the Bishop of Urgell. He also served as an important leader called the Co-Prince of Andorra. This means he shared the role of head of state for the small country of Andorra.

Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília was born in Barcelona, Spain. He was the third son in his family. His parents, Francesc Vives i Pons and Cornèlia Sicília Ibáñez, ran small shops.

In 1965, he began studying to become a priest. He learned about history, philosophy, and religion. In 1974, he became a priest in his hometown parish.

Becoming a Bishop

On June 9, 1993, Joan-Enric Vives was chosen to be an auxiliary bishop for Barcelona. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop. He also became a "titular bishop" of a place called Nona.

On September 5, 1993, he officially became a bishop. This ceremony is called an "episcopal consecration." It was led by Ricardo María Carles Gordó, who was the Archbishop of Barcelona.

Co-Prince of Andorra

On June 25, 2001, Pope John Paul II named him a "coadjutor bishop" for Urgell. A coadjutor bishop is chosen to take over when the current bishop retires.

When the previous bishop, Joan Martí Alanis, retired on May 12, 2003, Vives became the new Bishop of Urgell. At the same time, he also became a co-prince of Andorra. This is a special role because the Bishop of Urgell is automatically one of Andorra's two heads of state.

On July 10, 2003, he took an important promise called the Constitutional Oath. This happened in Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra. This promise officially made him a Co-Prince.

On March 19, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI gave him the special title of archbishop. This was a personal honor for him.

Retirement

On July 12, 2024, Pope Francis named Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat as the new coadjutor bishop of Urgell. This meant that Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat would take over from Vives when he retired.

Joan-Enric Vives officially opened the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra on May 27, 2025. These are sports games for small European countries.

On May 31, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted Vives's retirement. This ended his time as both the Bishop of Urgell and the Co-Prince of Andorra.

Awards and Recognitions

Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília received several important awards during his time as a leader. These awards are called "Honours."

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Joan-Enric Vives para niños

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