Andorra's Co-Princes Macron and Bishop Serrano Receive Highest Honor at Meritxell Sanctuary

Andorra's co-princes, Bishop of Urgell Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat and French President Emmanuel Macron, received the Principality's highest honour, the Creu dels Set Braços, during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Meritxell in Canillo. The event marked the conclusion of Macron's two-day official visit and highlighted the co-princes' shared commitment to serving the Andorran people.

Head of Government Xavier Espot and Síndic General Carles Ensenyat presented the awards in the sanctuary's public cloister, attended by government ministers, Consell General members, judicial representatives, former leaders including ex-Head of Government Albert Pintat, Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor, and local clergy such as Canillo rector Ramon Rossell.

In his speech, Serrano expressed gratitude for the distinction—the first time both co-princes received it together—and described the sanctuary as an emblematic site rooted in Andorra's history, traditions, and identity. He emphasized the people's central role in the system, stating that the co-princes exist because of them and would not without their foundation. Approaching the first anniversary of his appointment on 31 May, Serrano reflected on his tenure, saying it had deepened his understanding and appreciation of Andorra's people and institutions. He renewed his pledge of full availability to serve with dialogue and responsibility, invoking the national motto "Virtus Unita Fortior."

Macron echoed these themes, receiving the award with emotion and noting its creation after his previous visit seven years ago, which he joked had once left him wondering if he had been unworthy. He affirmed that the co-princely role, held "ex officio," gains true weight through reinvention alongside the people. "We are here to serve you, in the service of the Andorran people," he said, praising Andorra's fidelity to traditions while adapting to modernity. He committed to continuing in fidelity to the Principat.

The ceremony followed a sanctuary visit marking 50 years since its 1976 inauguration—designed by Ricardo Bofill after the 1972 fire that destroyed the Romanesque church—and preceded joint receptions, including one for ambassadors from 15 countries where the co-princes called for global peace through dialogue and respect for international law.

Eduard Ibáñez, Serrano's personal representative, described the visit as fostering a fluid relationship between the co-princes and their teams, exemplified by joint diplomatic acts that reinforce Andorra's institutional balance. He highlighted their complementary roles—the French president's political stature alongside the bishop's spiritual and historical ties—and Andorra's unique authority on peace, given its 700 years without war.