Pope Leo arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday as part of his ongoing visit to Spain, where he is set to celebrate Mass at the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica and bless its newly completed tower, now making it the tallest church in the world.
On the fourth day of his trip, Pope Leo XIV departed Madrid after delivering an unprecedented address to parliament and presiding over an open-air Mass attended by an estimated 1.5 million people.
Before leaving the Spanish capital, the pontiff expressed gratitude to thousands of volunteers who supported the large-scale logistical and security operations for his events, including a gathering at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Monday.
In Barcelona, the Pope is scheduled to visit the city’s Gothic cathedral and later lead a prayer vigil at the Olympic Stadium, with tight security measures in place as large crowds of worshippers gather.
Excitement has been building outside the cathedral, where faithful supporters arrived hours in advance to secure positions ahead of the Pope’s arrival.
Despite a long-term decline in religious observance in Spain, historically one of Europe’s most Catholic nations, some locals expressed optimism about the Pope’s reception.
Roberto Crespo, a 44-year-old carpenter, said he expected a warm response from the public.
“I think the people will show that there is more faith and more Catholicism than people generally think,” he said.
The Pope’s itinerary continues on Wednesday with visits to prisoners and a stop at the Montserrat abbey, located about 60 kilometres from Barcelona.
A central highlight of the visit will be the Mass at the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished modernist masterpiece designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. The basilica attracted nearly five million visitors last year.
The Mass also marks 100 years since Gaudí’s death on June 10, 1926. The architect, whose cause for sainthood is progressing within the Vatican, died after being struck by a tram while on his way to church.
Following the ceremony, Pope Leo will bless the basilica’s Jesus Christ tower, the central spire completed in February. With this addition, the Sagrada Familia reaches a height of 172.5 metres, officially becoming the tallest church in the world.
The basilica is expected to be fully completed within the next decade, nearly 150 years after construction first began.
After his Barcelona visit, the Pope will travel to the Canary Islands, where he is expected to meet migrants, volunteers, and pay tribute to those who have died attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing to Europe.
