Joaquín Navarro-Valls: Vatican Press Office Director, Physician and Journalist

Profile of Joaquín Navarro-Valls, Spanish physician, journalist and professor who led the Holy See Press Office (1984–2006), served as Pope John Paul II’s chief spokesman and later held academic advisory roles.

Joaquín Navarro-Valls, M.D. (16 November 1936 – 5 July 2017) was a Spanish journalist, physician and university professor who became widely known for his role as the Holy See's chief spokesman. Born in Cartagena, he combined medical training and an interest in communications in a career that bridged public health, the media and the Vatican.

Vatican career

Navarro-Valls directed the Holy See Press Office from 1984 until mid-2006, acting as the principal intermediary between the Vatican and international news organizations. During the lengthy papacy of Pope John Paul II, his regular briefings and public presence made him one of the most recognizable figures associated with the Vatican apart from the Pope himself. He announced his resignation on 11 July 2006; the office was subsequently assumed by Father Federico Lombardi.

Later roles

After leaving the press office, Navarro-Valls continued to serve in academic and advisory positions. On 20 January 2007 he was appointed president of the board of advisers of the Biomedical University of Rome, a post he occupied until his death.

Death

Navarro-Valls died in Rome, Italy on 5 July 2017 at the age of 80. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.