Vatican spokesman Greg Burke and his deputy have resigned suddenly. A statement by the Vatican has said Pope Francis accepted their resignation on Monday.
In a tweet, Burke said that he and his deputy, Paloma Garcia Ovejero, had resigned effective January 1.
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.
— Greg Burke (@GregBurkeRome) December 31, 2018
Burke later thanked Pope Francis for the "fascinating" experience of being Vatican spokesperson.
I joined the Vatican in 2012. The experience has been fascinating, to say the least. Thank you, Pope Francis. Un abrazo muy fuerte. pic.twitter.com/joxX4YoYSn
— Greg Burke (@GregBurkeRome) December 31, 2018
Pope Francis has named a member of the Vatican's communications office, Alessandro Gisotti, as an interim replacement.