Catholic Bishop Raimo Goyarrola to Defend Medical Doctoral Thesis After 300-Year Gap
Catholic Bishop Raimo Goyarrola will defend his doctoral thesis in medicine at the University of Eastern Finland in June, marking a rare event not seen in over three centuries. Goyarrola’s research focuses on identifying the spiritual needs of patients in palliative care, an area he argues requires distinct attention in medical treatment.
Originally from the Basque Country in Spain, Goyarrola holds degrees in both medicine and theology. He has served as a priest in Finland for many years and was appointed bishop of the Helsinki Diocese, which covers the entire country, in 2023. Ilta-Sanomat notes that he also joined the Catholic Church’s Opus Dei, a spiritual care institute, in 1987.
The University of Eastern Finland states in its press release that the last known Catholic bishop to defend a medical thesis was the Danish Niels Steensen (Nicolaus Steno) more than 300 years ago. Goyarrola’s work aims to address the often-overlooked spiritual dimensions of suffering in palliative care, which he distinguishes from physical pain and emotional distress.
"It has been scientifically proven that mental and spiritual suffering occurs in patients receiving palliative care," Goyarrola says in the press release. "This differs from physical pain and emotional stress and requires special attention and its own approach to treatment."
Palliative care, as defined by the university, involves holistic treatment for patients with incurable, progressive illnesses, with the goal of reducing suffering and improving quality of life. Goyarrola emphasizes that spiritual care can help patients find meaning, ease adaptation to their condition, and strengthen relationships with loved ones and healthcare providers.
Iltalehti reports that Goyarrola’s research involved meetings with 150 doctors and nurses, as well as interviews with 70 patients. The process required significant practical work, including visits to hospitals and patients’ homes, alongside academic coursework. "For many, it may have been surprising to see a bishop, for example, in a statistics course or exam," he notes.
The doctoral defense is scheduled for June 5.
