Latest From Vatican On Spokespersons Resignations

Tags: Currents Pope Francis, World News

Currents News Staff

As Vatican communications is continuing to be revamped in its 5-year reform program, 2019 is starting out with an unexpected change at the Holy See Press office.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Director and the Vice Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke and Paloma García Ovejero. In turn, he appointed Italian Alessandro Gisotti, as the new Interim Director. Both Ovejero and Burke were the first papal spokespersons from outside the Vatican, coming in as professional journalists from COPE, Fox News and Time Magazine. They assumed their positions in July 11, 2016.

Announcing the decision on New Years Eve, American Greg Burke tweeted about his time at the Vatican, saying: “The experience has been fascinating…” and “At this time of transition in Vatican communications, we think it’s best the Holy Father is completely free to assemble a new team.”

Spanish Paloma García Ovejero also sent out a tweet in Spanish translating to: “Ending a chapter. Thank you, Holy Father, for these two and a half years! Thank you, Greg, for your trust, your patience and your example.”

While the exact motivations are still unclear, speculations include the fact that they reported to Card. Pietro Parolin, instead of directly to Pope Francis. This limited their ability to report the pope’s messages with accuracy.

This morning Alessandro Gisotti spoke to journalists thanking them for their support. He also apologized in advance for errors he might commit coming into the new role, appreciatively noting that Burke and Ovejero spent all of New Year’s Day training him in the new position.