Dr Jean-Joseph Pastor, a key figure in Monaco’s medical sector and the co-founder of the Monaco Cardiothoracic Centre, passed away at the age of 93 on 3rd April. Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed his sadness at the loss of the man who was once a personal physician to his late father, Prince Rainier III.

Prince Albert announced the passing of Dr Jean-Joseph Pastor, Chancellor of the Princely Orders, via a press release in the hours following his death at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) in Monaco.

The statement, issued by the Palais Princier de Monaco, reads: “Prince Albert II is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr Jean-Joseph Pastor, Chancellor of the Princely Orders, who was the personal physician of Prince Rainier III… In this painful circumstance, Prince Albert II extends his most sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who had the honour of working with him. He also pays tribute to the human qualities of Dr Pastor, who was devoted to the Princely Family, Prince Rainier III, and Princess Grace.”

Beyond being the personal physician to Prince Rainier III from 1975 until the Prince’s passing in 2005, Pastor’s medical career saw him lead the cardiology department at the CHPG in the 1960s. The department’s in-patient unit bears his name to this day.

Dr Pastor also co-founded the Monaco Cardiothoracic Centre alongside Professor Vincent Dor in 1987. He remained active in the institution throughout his life, maintaining an office there until his final days.

His interests were not only medical but civic-minded as well, with the Palais statement noting, “He also made his mark on Monegasque political life through his forty years of service on the National Council.”

Indeed, he served as a Councillor from 1968 to 2008, spending a decade as Vice-President of the National Council, Monaco’s equivalent of parliament.

Pastor’s passing marks the end of an era for Monaco’s medical and political communities, but he leaves behind a lasting legacy in both sectors.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department