Joan Enric Vives i Sicília
Co-Prince of Andorra from 2003 to 2025
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Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília (Catalan: [ʒuˈan ənˈriɡ ˈbiβəz i siˈsili.ə]; born 24 July 1949) is a Spanish Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Urgell and ex officio episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra from 2003 to 2025.
Nicolas Sarkozy (2007–2012)
François Hollande (2012–2017)
Emmanuel Macron (2017–2025)
| The Most Reverend Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives | |
|---|---|
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 (2017–2025) |
| Bishop of Urgell | |
| See | Urgell |
| Appointed | 25 June 2001 (Coadjutor) |
| Installed | 12 May 2003 |
| Term ended | 31 May 2025 |
| Predecessor | Joan Martí i Alanis |
| Successor | Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat |
| Previous posts | Coadjutor Bishop of Urgell (2001–2003) Auxiliary Bishop of Barcelona (1993–2001) Titular Bishop of Nona (1993–2001) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 24 September 1974 |
| Consecration | 5 September 1993 by Ricardo María Carles Gordó |
| Rank | Archbishop ad personam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 July 1949 Barcelona, Spain |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Parents |
|
| Motto | Parare vias Domini |
Coat of arms |  |
Biography
Vives i Sicília was born on 24 July 1949 in Barcelona, the third son of Francesc Vives i Pons and Cornèlia Sicília Ibáñez, who were small retailers.[1] He entered the seminary in 1965 and studied humanities, philosophy and theology.[2] In 1974, Vives was ordained a priest in his native parish of Santa Maria del Taulat de Barcelona.[1]
On 9 June 1993 he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Barcelona and titular bishop of Nona.[3] He received his episcopal consecration on 5 September from Ricardo María Carles Gordó, Archbishop of Barcelona.[citation needed] Pope John Paul II named him coadjutor bishop of Urgell on 25 June 2001.[4] Upon the retirement of his predecessor Joan Martí Alanis on 12 May 2003, Vives succeeded as Bishop of Urgell and co-prince of Andorra.[5] On 10 July 2003, he took the Constitutional Oath as Co-Prince of Andorra at Casa de la Vall, Andorra la Vella. Vives i Sicília was given the personal title of archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 March 2010.[6]
On 12 July 2024, shortly before Vives reached the age of 75 when he was required to submit his resignation, Pope Francis named Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat as coadjutor bishop of Urgell, to succeed Vives when his resignation is accepted.[7][8]
Vives, in his capacity as co-prince, officially opened the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra on 27 May 2025.[9] On 31 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Vives, ending his term as both Bishop of Urgell and as the co-prince of Andorra.[10]
Honours
Andorra:
Cross of the Seven Arms (10 July 2024).[11]
Portugal:
Grand Cross of the Order of Christ (5 March 2010).[12][13]
Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (14 October 2024).[14]
