Ibiza Mourns Priest Joan Riera Bonet, Former Vicar General of the Diocese, Who Dies Aged 91

13 de November de 2026

The Diocese of Ibiza is mourning the death of priest Joan Riera Bonet, former vicar general and a prominent figure in the island's religious and pastoral life, who died on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the age of 91.

Originally from Santa Agnès de Corona, Riera dedicated decades of his life to the Church, serving in parishes across Ibiza and spending more than 20 years working as a missionary and educator in Peru.

Throughout his career, he held a number of important responsibilities within the Diocese of Ibiza, including Episcopal Delegate for Diocesan Caritas and Social Pastoral Care. In 1996, he was appointed vicar general, a position he continued to hold under three bishops.

He spent his final years at the Reina Sofía Residence in Ibiza, where he passed away.

The Bishopric of Ibiza announced his death in an official statement on Thursday, paying tribute to his long service to the diocese.

From Santa Agnès to the Priesthood

Joan Riera Bonet was born in Santa Agnès de Corona, where his funeral will also take place.

He studied at the Conciliar Seminary of Ibiza and was ordained as a priest in 1960 by Bishop Antoni Cardona Riera.

Following his ordination, he served as coadjutor at the parish of Sant Pere. That same year, he travelled to Madrid to continue his studies at the Pontifical University of Comillas, where he obtained a degree in Canon Law.

After returning to Ibiza, he took on several responsibilities within the diocese. He served as spiritual director of the seminary, taught Religion at IES Santa María and worked as prosecutor of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal.

In 1965, he obtained the position of doctoral canon of the Cathedral of Ibiza through a competitive examination, adding another important responsibility to his ecclesiastical career.

More Than Two Decades of Missionary Work in Peru

In 1969, Riera left Ibiza for Peru, beginning a significant period of missionary and educational work.

He served as parish priest of Nuestra Señora de Fátima in the Diocese of Huacho.

His responsibilities extended beyond parish ministry. He also became director of the Secretariat of the Episcopal Commission for the Clergy and director of the Interdiocesan Centre for Priestly Formation.

In Lima, he worked as a professor of Pastoral Theology at the Juan XXIII Higher Institute of Theological Studies.

During his time in the Peruvian capital, he also obtained a degree in Fundamental Theology from the Faculty of Santo Toribio.

His years in Peru formed a substantial part of his religious and professional life, combining missionary service, theological education and the formation of future priests.

Return to Ibiza and Service to Caritas

Riera returned to Ibiza in 1992, resuming his work within the local diocese.

That year, he was appointed Episcopal Delegate for Diocesan Caritas and Social Pastoral Care, responsibilities that placed him at the centre of the Church's social and charitable work on the island.

He also returned to parish ministry, serving several communities over the following years.

His appointments included:

  • Sant Jordi and Sant Francesc: 1992–1995.

  • Santa Eulària: 1995–2000.

  • Santa Creu: 2000–2006.

These years marked an important period of pastoral service across different communities in Ibiza.

Appointed Vicar General in 1996

In 1996, Bishop Javier Salinas appointed Joan Riera Bonet as vicar general of the Diocese of Ibiza.

He continued to serve in this role during the episcopates of Bishop Agustín Cortés and Bishop Vicente Juan Segura.

The position of vicar general is one of the principal responsibilities within a diocese. The vicar general assists the bishop in the governance and administration of the local Church, exercising authority delegated by the bishop.

Riera therefore remained an important figure in the organisation and pastoral life of the Diocese of Ibiza for many years.

He also served for a period as parish priest in solidum of Sant Rafel and Santa Agnès, maintaining his connection with the communities of the island.

His Final Years in Ibiza

After decades of service in Ibiza and abroad, Riera eventually retired from active ministry and moved to the Reina Sofía Residence.

He died there on Thursday, 12 November, aged 91.

His death marks the passing of a priest whose life was closely connected to the religious history of Ibiza, from his early formation at the island's seminary to his missionary work in Peru and his later responsibilities within the diocese.

Funeral to Take Place in Santa Agnès

The funeral for Joan Riera Bonet will take place on Friday, 13 November, at the parish church of Santa Agnès de Corona, the village where he was born.

According to the official notice published by the Bishopric of Ibiza, the wake will open at the church at 14:00, followed by the funeral at 16:30.

The Diocese has invited the faithful and members of the community to join in prayer for his eternal rest.

His life of service, which spanned more than six decades of priesthood, leaves a significant mark on the Diocese of Ibiza and the many communities in which he served.

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