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Pope Leo XIV Begins 149-Hour Visit to Spain

The Pontiff will travel nearly 3,000 kilometers, visiting six churches, three stadiums, and engaging with vulnerable communities.

Generic image of a Papamobile on a Spanish street.
IA

Generic image of a Papamobile on a Spanish street.

Pope Leo XIV will land in Madrid on June 6th for a 149.5-hour visit, which will include 3,000 kilometers of travel and around thirty events.

The ninth visit of a supreme governor of the Catholic Church to Spain will commence with the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on June 6th at 8 AM. Over the following 149.5 hours, he will cover nearly 3,000 kilometers across approximately thirty events, starting with a reception at the Royal Palace.
In southern Carabanchel, the Pontiff will visit the CEDIA 24 Hours social project by Cáritas, a center dedicated to the comprehensive care of homeless individuals. This neighborhood, with an average per capita income between 9,500 and 10,500 euros, marks the beginning of the visit with a focus on the most vulnerable, as stated by auxiliary bishop Vicente Martín.
Subsequently, the visit will move to Plaza de Lima for a large prayer vigil with young people, an event expected to draw large crowds in an area with a net per capita income of up to 36,918 euros. The Pope will travel along part of the Castellana avenue in the Popemobile, accompanied by music from artists such as Siloé and Beret.
For his transportation, two Popemobiles, transported from Rome, and three electric 'buggy' type vehicles will be used. Security logistics are supported by the Spanish Air Force. Over 500,000 people have registered to participate in the events, with 55,700 places arranged to host pilgrims in Madrid.
The Pope will be staying at the Apostolic Nunciature. The following day, he will preside over Holy Mass in Plaza Cibeles and an Eucharistic procession for Corpus Christi. In the afternoon, at the Movistar Arena, he will participate in the 'Tejer Redes' (Weaving Networks) event with representatives from the worlds of culture, art, and economy.
On June 8th, Pope Leo XIV will meet with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Apostolic Nunciature before attending the Congress of Deputies. He will also meet with bishops at the headquarters of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and lead a prayer at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Almudena.
The trip includes visits to six churches and four major sports venues. At the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, 70,000 faithful are expected for a celebration presented by Cristian Gálvez, featuring performances by artists like David Bustamante.
The response from volunteers has exceeded expectations, doubling the initial forecast. More than 20,000 volunteers are expected to assist in Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife. The total cost of the trip is estimated at around 15 million euros, which organizers aim to cover through sponsorships and donations.
The Pope, whose maternal surname Robert Francis Prevost Martínez offers clues to his roots, has visited Spain about ten times. His last Mass on Spanish soil before being elected Pope was in Ávila on September 22, 2024.
The Pontiff will be accompanied by approximately 35 people, 81 Vatican journalists, and Swiss security personnel. In Barcelona, he will pray at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia and preside over a prayer vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
At the Brians 1 Penitentiary Center, the Pope will meet with around 80 inmates, addressing the situation of women in prison, as explained by Emili Pacheco, communications delegate for the diocese of Sant Feliu de Llobregat. He will later preside over the Rosary prayer at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat.
The visit to Barcelona will conclude with the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia, an event marking 100 years since the death of Gaudí. The Sagrada Familia, standing at 172.5 meters, is the tallest church in the world.
The agenda in the Canary Islands will focus on the migration crisis. The Pope will land at Gando Air Base, meet with migrants and volunteers at the Muelle de Arguineguín, and hold a meeting with clergy at the Cathedral of Santa Ana.
In Tenerife, the Pope will greet migrants at the Las Raíces center and meet with local inclusion initiatives at the Sanctuary of Christ of La Laguna. The final event will be a Mass at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Holy Father is scheduled to deliver 12 speeches and 5 homilies during the six-day trip, totaling 30 engagements. A farewell ceremony is planned at Tenerife airport before his flight back to Rome.

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