Matteo Bruni takes over from the Holy See's interim press spokesman Alessandro Gisotti.

Pope Francis has appointed British-born Matteo Bruni as new director of the Holy See's press office, effective from 22 July, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Bruni takes over from Alessandro Gisotti, who became the Vatican's interim spokesman following the abrupt departure of American Greg Burke on 31 December.

Born in Winchester, England, the 42-year-old Bruni has worked at the Vatican press office since 2009 and since 2013 he has been in charge of media logistics for papal trips.

Bruni graduated from Rome's La Sapienza University with a degree in modern foreign languages and literatures, and speaks Italian, English, French and Spanish.

Gisotti has been named one of the two deputy editorial directors at the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, alongside Sergio Centofanti.