Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Apostolic Journey to Spain
MADRID— Pope Leo XIV arrived at Madrid–Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport at 10:12 AM on Saturday, officially launching his Apostolic Journey to Spain. Departing Rome’s Fiumicino Airport earlier this morning aboard an ITA Airways flight, the Holy Father begins a packed multi-city itinerary that will take him through Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.
Prior to his departure, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed that Pope Leo is scheduled to meet privately with abuse victims during the trip. The encounter, organized by the local Church, will remain confidential to respect the victims' privacy.
đź—“️ The Papal Itinerary at a Glance
Saturday: Arrival & Official Welcomes (Madrid)
Official Greetings: Following an airport welcome ceremony, the Pope will pay a courtesy visit to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace.
Public Addresses: He will deliver an address to government officials, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps.
Youth Vigil: The evening concludes with a massive prayer vigil alongside young people in central Madrid’s Plaza de Lima.
Sunday: Corpus Christi & Cultural Encounters (Madrid)
Solemn Mass: On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Pope will celebrate Mass and lead a traditional procession in the iconic Plaza de Cibeles.
Private & Public Meetings: Pope Leo will meet privately with the Order of Saint Augustine, followed by a large gathering of cultural, artistic, business, and sporting figures at the Movistar Arena.
Monday: State Business & Stadium Prayers (Madrid)
Political Dialogues: The morning features a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and an address to Parliament at the Congress of Deputies.
Church Leadership: A midday meeting with local bishops at the Spanish Bishops’ Conference headquarters.
Diocesan Gathering: The Holy Father will join local faithful for an evening event at the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Tuesday: Arrival in Catalonia (Barcelona)
Midday Angelus: Pope Leo will lead the Angelus prayer at the historic Barcelona Cathedral.
Evening Vigil: A prayer service will be held at the LluĂs Companys Olympic Stadium.
Wednesday: Mercy, Monasteries, and the Sagrada FamĂlia (Barcelona)
Ministry & Outreach: The Pope will visit a local prison and later meet with diocesan charity and welfare organizations.
Abbey of Montserrat: A midday trip to the mountaintop abbey to pray the Rosary and share lunch with the Benedictine community.
A Historic Blessing: In the evening, the Pope will visit the Basilica of the Sagrada FamĂlia to bless the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ—its tallest spire.
A Centenary Milestone: The visit to the Sagrada FamĂlia beautifully coincides with the centenary of the death of its visionary architect, the Venerable Antoni GaudĂ. The Basilica was originally consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI back in 2010.
Thursday & Friday: Spotlight on Migration & Return (Canary Islands)
The Migration Frontline: On Thursday, Pope Leo flies to the Canary Islands, a critical maritime entry point for migrants seeking refuge in Europe.
Islands Liturgies: He will celebrate Mass and spend time meeting with front-line aid workers and migrant reception teams in both Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Return to Rome: Following his final events in the Canary Islands, the Pope will board his return flight to Rome on Friday evening.
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