Born in Santa Coloma de Farners to a working-class family,[1] Narcís Jubany Arnau moved to Barcelona at age 13 and studied at its seminary.

He was ordained to the priesthood on 30 July 1939 and, after furthering his studies, did pastoral work in Barcelona, as well as teaching at its seminary and serving as an official of the diocesan tribunal and cathedral canon.

Jubany attended the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965, during which he was made Bishop of Girona on 7 February 1965 and was later named Archbishop of Barcelona on 3 December 1971.

Pope Paul VI created him Cardinal Priest of San Lorenzo in Damaso in the consistory of 5 March 1973.

He was a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, of that for Religious and Secular Institutes, and of the Pontifical Council for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law.