Andorra's New Episcopal Co-Prince Urges Role in Global Peace Efforts

Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, Andorra's Episcopal Co-Prince, urged the Principality to play an active role in global peace efforts during his first Christmas reception on Wednesday at the Episcopal Palace in La Seu d'Urgell. He highlighted 59 ongoing armed conflicts—the highest number since the Second World War—amid rising uncertainties and tragedies.

The event drew nearly 400 guests, one of the largest crowds in recent years, with a modified setup placing the speaking area near the entrance. Performances came from the Catherine Metayer adult choir, followed by carols, a toast, and the Andorran anthem. Attendees included Head of Government Xavier Espot, General Syndic Carles Ensenyat, Subsindic Sandra Codina, Supreme Justice Council President Josep Maria Rossell, parish consuls, parliamentary leaders, and figures from politics, business, and civil society. Serrano's predecessor, Joan-Enric Vives, who served over 20 years, was present and greeted guests casually.

Serrano opened by welcoming attendees to the palace, describing it as a space for national service, identity, and cohesion. He thanked Andorrans for their warm reception during his visits to all seven parishes, from Canillo to Escaldes-Engordany, which gave him direct insight into local concerns. Since assuming office on 31 May during the Diada de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich, he committed to fulfilling constitutional duties with institutional respect, alongside French Co-Prince Emmanuel Macron, to promote the common good and sovereignty—a role complementary to his bishopric.

On foreign policy, Serrano praised Andorra's diplomatic progress through relations with states and international actors, enhanced by public diplomacy promoting its culture, values, and institutions. He called for continued advancement as a hub of prosperity and peace that includes everyone, stressing multilateralism and state collaboration against shared challenges like climate change, forced migration, and cybersecurity, intensified by AI and online tools. Echoing Pope Leo XIV, he advocated a "disarming and unarmed peace" rooted in trust, empathy, and hope to resolve disputes and foster justice, with Andorra contributing through its voice, example, and material support.

Domestically, he prioritised care for the vulnerable—those facing poverty or social risk—as essential to any just society, alongside protecting mountains, rivers, and wildlife as a divine heritage via integral ecology. Linking to the 2025 Jubilee theme "hope does not disappoint," he framed hope as key to Andorra's future through justice, peace, and welfare, especially for the weak. He flagged 2025 milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Meritxell sanctuary dedication and AINA's founding, chances to reaffirm devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell and support for youth.

Political responses varied. Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé called it neutral—the first in years without direct EU references—and sought flexibility on issues like abortion decriminalisation, where Church positions differ from contemporary Andorran views. Social Democrat Susanna Vela welcomed multilateralism but missed emphasis on local matters such as housing and rights. Xavier Espot gave a highly positive assessment, aligning ecology and vulnerability protections with government priorities and noting Serrano's parish insights. Democrat Jordi Jordana deemed it a fitting Christmas message of global goodwill. Andorra Endavant's Marc Monteagudo praised the focus on peace and solidarity, urging a cooling-off on abortion debates.