Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Monsignor Octavi Vilà Mayo, the current Bishop of Girona and a Cistercian monk, as the new Archbishop of Barcelona. He succeeds Cardinal Juan José Omella, who stepped down after turning 80 in April. Monsignor Vilà will formally take possession of the Archdiocese of Barcelona on December 19 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, followed by an inaugural pastoral Mass celebrated at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.
Born in 1961, Monsignor Vilà holds degrees in Geography, History, and Library Science from the University of Barcelona. He joined the Monastery of Poblet at age 45, made his solemn profession in 2010, and served as abbot for six years until 2021. Appointed Bishop of Girona by Pope Francis in early 2024, his episcopal motto—”Be at the forefront to serve”—reflects his monastic heritage. In his message to the diocese, he urged the faithful to keep Christ at their center, embrace unity, and courageous evangelization.
This appointment marks the end of Cardinal Omella’s notable pastoral career. Born in 1946, Cardinal Omella served across several Spanish dioceses, spent time as a missionary in Zaire, and became Archbishop of Barcelona in 2015. A close adviser to Pope Francis, he served on key Vatican bodies, including the Dicastery for Bishops and the Council of Cardinals, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated leadership in Spain and Rome.