REUTERS, 31st DECEMBER, 2018 - The spokesman for the Vatican and his deputy resigned suddenly on Monday, an official statement said.

It gave no reason for the resignation of Greg Burke, an American, and Paloma Garcia Ovejero, a Spaniard. They quit two weeks after Pope Francis appointed an Italian journalist and personal friend, Andrea Tornielli, to become editorial director of all Vatican communications.

“Paloma and I have resigned, effective Jan. 1. At this time of transition in Vatican communications, 
we think it’s best the Holy Father is completely free to assemble a new team,” Burke tweeted.