Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on a major Apostolic Journey to Spain next month, with the Vatican releasing the official schedule for a trip that will combine liturgical celebrations, meetings with political leaders, outreach to the poor, and a historic moment at Barcelona’s famed Sagrada Família.
According to Vatican News, the June 6–11 journey will include “twelve speeches, four Masses, and around ten meetings with political, ecclesial, and civic leaders.” The Pope’s itinerary will focus on three key locations: Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.
The visit will begin in Madrid on June 6, where the Holy Father will be formally welcomed by King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace. Vatican News reported that Pope Leo XIV will also meet with government officials, members of civil society, and representatives of the diplomatic corps before leading an evening prayer vigil with young people in Plaza de Lima.
On June 7, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Pope will celebrate Mass in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles. According to Vatican News, he will later meet privately with members of the Order of Saint Augustine and participate in a gathering with leaders from “culture, the arts, business, and sport” at the Movistar Arena.
The following day, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before addressing members of parliament at the Congress of Deputies. He will also meet with bishops at the headquarters of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference and later join the diocesan community for an evening event at Bernabéu Stadium.
One of the most anticipated moments of the journey will take place on June 9 in Barcelona. According to Vatican News, the Pope will inaugurate and bless the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia basilica. The massive tower is the tallest structure on the church designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudí.
Vatican News described the basilica as a “Bible in stone,” noting that it was consecrated 16 years ago by Pope Benedict XVI. The visit also comes during the centenary year commemorating Gaudí’s death.
The Vatican also emphasized that Pope Leo XIV intends to highlight the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized during the trip. In Madrid, the Pope is expected to visit a homeless shelter, while in Barcelona he will visit a prison facility.
Migration will become the central focus during the final stage of the journey to the Canary Islands on June 11. The islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, have become a major arrival point for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Masses in both Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife while encouraging those serving migrants and refugees on the front lines.
The visit marks the first papal trip to Spain in fifteen years, following the 2010 visit of Pope Benedict XVI. When the journey was first announced earlier this year, Archbishop Luis Argüello, president of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, welcomed the news with joy.
In a videomessage cited by Vatican News, Archbishop Argüello invited the faithful to “open their ears and hearts” to receive the Pope’s message. He added that the visit is meant “to confirm the brothers and sisters in the faith of the Church, which then becomes hope and charity in the concrete life of our communities.”
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