The Bishop of Urgell and co-prince of Andorra, Josep-Lluís Serrano, has approved a broad reorganization of the diocese affecting the curia, several Andorran parishes, and various pastoral territories in Catalonia. The changes, which will take effect on September 1, represent one of the first major restructurings since his arrival at one of Europe’s most distinctive episcopal sees.
According to La Veu Lliure, the appointments were published to coincide with the feast of Sant Just d’Urgell and respond to the desire to adapt the pastoral structure to the territory’s new needs and to strengthen coordination among communities.
A reorganization that goes beyond parish changes
Although the changes affect important parishes in the Principality of Andorra, the restructuring has a broader scope. The diocese has reordered key areas of governance and pastoral coordination, beginning with the appointment of a new vicar general, a central figure in the diocese’s day-to-day management.
The decision also involves modifications to the general secretariat and the chancery of the curia, as well as various priestly transfers across several pastoral zones of the diocese.
The diocese’s stated goal is to improve internal coordination and respond to the demographic and social changes affecting both Andorra and the Catalan territories under the jurisdiction of Urgell.
Serrano’s first governing team
One of the most significant appointments is that of Antoni Elvira as the new vicar general. In this role, he will assume coordination of the diocesan curia and a prominent function in the diocese’s pastoral governance.
Also noteworthy is the growing prominence of David Codina, who will combine the rectorship of Sant Pere Màrtir in Escaldes-Engordany with his duties as diocesan treasurer. The changes likewise affect Sant Julià de Lòria and other parishes of the diocese.
Beyond the specific names, the reorganization offers a glimpse of the team with which Serrano intends to face this new stage at the helm of Urgell.
A diocese with a unique responsibility in Europe
The significance of these moves extends beyond the strictly pastoral sphere. Unlike most bishops worldwide, the holder of the see of Urgell also serves as co-prince of Andorra, sharing the head of state with the President of the French Republic.
This singularity makes any reorganization of the diocese an event followed with special attention in the Principality, where the bishop’s figure maintains an institutional dimension that transcends ordinary ecclesial life.
Although the announced appointments directly affect the diocese’s pastoral operations, they also reflect how Serrano is beginning to imprint his own style of governance after succeeding Joan-Enric Vives.