VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Leo XIV's upcoming trip to Spain marks the first visit by a pope in 15 years, underscoring a renewed papal focus on Europe and its Christian heritage. The American pontiff will begin his weeklong visit on Saturday in Madrid, where he will be welcomed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The first day will conclude with a prayer vigil for young people, many experiencing their first opportunity to see a pope.
Amid the ongoing clergy sexual abuse crisis, the Vatican announced that Leo will meet with survivors during the trip. The Spanish Church has been addressing historic abuse cases and their cover-up, reflecting a broader reckoning within the once staunchly Catholic nation. This trip signals a shift in papal attention back to Europe after Pope Francis predominantly engaged with smaller Catholic communities outside the continent.
As part of his itinerary, Leo will deliver a landmark speech to both chambers of the Spanish Parliament on Monday. Historically, no pope has spoken to Las Cortes Generales, despite previous visits from popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The current political climate in Spain is polarized, with the ruling Socialist party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, facing criticism over corruption scandals and migration policies from conservative factions.
Notably, the papal visit is highly visible throughout Madrid, with advertisements plastered across subway cars and billboard displays. Shops are offering limited edition pope-themed pastries and merchandise. Simultaneously, international pop star Bad Bunny will perform concerts in the city, adding to the atmosphere of high-profile events.
The Spanish Catholic Church's credibility has been questioned in recent years due to revelations about clergy abuse, particularly following a historical context shaped by the anticlerical violence during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). As Spain transitioned to democracy, the self-identified Catholic population has declined significantly from 90% in the 1970s to 55% by 2025, with only 19% regularly attending Mass. Despite this trend, renewed interest in spirituality has emerged among younger Spaniards, driven in part by contemporary cultural figures like Spanish pop star Rosalía.
Another highlight of Leo's trip will be his Mass at the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, commemorating the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death. The highly anticipated mass will feature the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, which now makes the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. While there are discussions surrounding Gaudí's potential sainthood, no announcements regarding this matter are expected during Leo's visit.
In addition to his engagements in Madrid and Barcelona, Leo will conclude his visit with a two-day stop in the Canary Islands. This archipelago, which lies closer to Africa, is a critical entry point for migrants from West Africa. Leo aims to highlight the plight of these migrants by meeting with humanitarian organizations aiding them and will pay tribute to those lost at sea during dangerous crossings.
The current Socialist-led government in Spain has also bucked trends seen in other parts of Europe by moving to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, underscoring the administration's commitment to bolstering the economy and addressing demographic challenges.
