It’s a much-anticipated return. A Pope returns to Spain after 15 years, a country that for many years has no longer been a Catholic monolith, but certainly remains a “symbolic country” for the Church of Rome. Leo will undertake a journey from June 6 to 12 that will touch Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Prevost’s new apostolic journey is already his fourth in just over a year since his election and comes shortly after his very long one in Africa. The last Pontiff to visit the Iberian land was Benedict XVI, 15 years ago, while, as is known, Francis never went, highlighting Europe’s marginality in his “pastoral agenda” (he also never officially went to France, where Leo will go in September instead).
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From the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia to masses and speeches in stadiums, passing through visits to prisoners in jail and migrants in reception centers, Prevost’s mission presents itself as one not without problems, from internal “political” ones – the Catalans are “outraged” because he will speak in Castilian, the Podemos deputies who will not attend the Cortes for the official speech – but there is also the issue of the scourge of abuse, highlighted by the press. The Pope is expected to meet a group of victims, a private meeting that should take place in Madrid.
The Pontiff’s speeches in a country governed by socialists, at the forefront against wars
On June 6, the Pope will land in the capital where he will be welcomed by Spanish King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whom he met in Rome a few days ago. The first official appointment on the agenda will therefore be a courtesy visit to the Royals, followed by a meeting with authorities, civil society, and the Diplomatic Corps, and on that occasion, the awaited political message will arrive, which will probably touch on issues related to war and beyond: a very delicate point given the Spanish government’s very tough stance even towards NATO’s positions – but certainly the difficulties for the majority due to ongoing scandals in the socialist field will have their weight at this stage – compared to other European countries regarding the conflict in the Middle East. On Sunday, June 7, the Pope will celebrate mass in Plaza de Cibeles, then privately meet members of the Augustinian order. He will then move to the Movistar Arena for the event “Weaving networks with the world of culture, art, economy, and sport.” Monday, June 8, will begin with institutional meetings, from Prime Minister Sánchez to members of Parliament. Then, at the headquarters of the Episcopal Conference, it will be the turn of welcoming the Spanish bishops, prayer, and homage to the Virgin of Almudena, patroness of Madrid. In the evening, the meeting with the diocesan community will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The last appointment before leaving Madrid, on Tuesday, June 9, is the Pope’s farewell to volunteers.
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In Barcelona for the Sagrada Familia, then to the Canaries, on the migrant route
On the afternoon of June 9, Leo will arrive in Barcelona: the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ and the celebration of mass in the Sagrada Familia are highly anticipated, on the day marking 100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudì. From Catalonia, the Pope will then fly to the Canary Islands, which are not a random destination. They were chosen because they are one of the territories on the front line in managing migrant flows arriving in Europe, as also confirmed by Prime Minister Sanchez. The issue of “sensitivity” for migrant people will be “very present” in Leo XIV’s visit, he said. The first engagement in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will be a meeting with organizations dealing with migration in the port of Arguineguín, then mass will be celebrated. On June 12, the Pope will reach Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with migrants always at the center of the stop: he will meet the guests of the temporary reception center Las Raices. Then mass at the port and the return flight to Rome.
