Seven days, three autonomous communities, seven towns, half a dozen mass events and unprecedented acts mark the tight schedule of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain, the first by a pontiff to the country since 2011. The trip begins in Madrid, with a reception by state authorities and as a highlight: a speech as head of state in Congress. The second stage takes place in Barcelona with, among other acts, the blessing of the recently inaugurated Jesus Christ tower of the Sagrada Familia. Finally, in the Canary Islands, Leo XIV seeks to focus on the reality of migrants at the gates of Europe, with whom he meets at Arguineguín Pier and in La Laguna. In total, more than 20 events. This is a step-by-step guide to an historic occasion.
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MADRID
Saturday, June 6
10.30
The Pope lands at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, where he will be received by the King and Queen.
11.30
The welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace will be presided over by Felipe VI and Letizia and will include representatives of state institutions and civil society.
12.00
The Pontiff holds a meeting with the King and Queen.
12.30
Leo XIV delivers an official speech before authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps.
18.00
A visit to Caritas’ 24-hour Cedia center for the homeless, in the Lucero neighborhood of the capital, sets the tone for the trip.
20.30
Young people are the protagonists in a prayer vigil in Lima Square. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours in advance. Prior registration is required.
Sunday, June 7
10.00
The day begins with the first of the trip’s major masses in Cibeles Square and a subsequent Corpus Christi procession in Cibeles Square. The organization recommends using sun protection and a cap, bringing water, comfortable footwear, and a portable phone charger. Prior registration is required.
16.30
The Pope holds a private meeting with the Order of Saint Augustine at the Apostolic Nunciature.
18.00
Leo XIV meets with representatives from the world of art, culture, business, labor, and academia at the Movistar Arena.
19.30
To end the day, the Pontiff dines at the residence of the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, José Cobo.
Monday, June 8
9.30
The Pope meets with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Apostolic Nunciature.
10.30
The first speech by a pontiff in Congress. The visit to the parliamentary headquarters includes a meeting with deputies.
11.30
Leo XIV visits the Spanish Episcopal Conference, where he greets the bishops and a lunch takes place.
18.00
Visit, prayer, and homage to the Virgin of Almudena in the cathedral.
19.00
The Pontiff attends a mass gathering with the diocesan community at Santiago Bernabéu, where he delivers a speech.
Tuesday, June 9
10.20
Meeting with volunteers at Pavilion 3 of IFEMA Madrid.
BARCELONA
Tuesday, June 9
11.10
Journey to Barcelona.
12.00
Arrival at El Prat airport.
13.00
Visit and prayer of the Midday Prayer in the Cathedral, with Archbishop Juan José Omella. Afterwards, lunch and institutional visits.
18.00
Prayer vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Welcome with musical performances and moments of conversation and prayer with the presence of some 40,000 people.
20.00
The Pope makes a tour of the stadium in the popemobile. Afterwards, the religious act.
Wednesday, July 10
10.50
Visit to Can Brians prison with about 80 people, the regular faithful of the center, where he will hear the testimony of two inmates.
11.45
Visit to Montserrat Abbey. At 12:00, prayer of the Holy Rosary.
16.30
Visit to the parish of Sant Agustí, in the Raval neighborhood, where he meets with entities that assist vulnerable groups.
19.30
Mass in commemoration of the centenary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí in the Sagrada Familia.
21.00
Inauguration and blessing of the Jesus Christ tower of the Sagrada Familia. At the end, a light show in homage to Gaudí.
GRAN CANARIA
Thursday, June 11
8.30
Takeoff to Gran Canaria.
10.50
Arrival at Gando air base.
11.40
Meeting, together with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, with migrants, workers, and volunteers at Arguineguín Pier (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). Speech and floral offering in honor of migrants who died at sea.
13.00
Reception with the mayor, Carolina Darias.
Popemobile ride through Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from the Pérez Galdós Theater to Santa Ana Square.
13.30
Meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, and pastoral agents of the Diocese of Canarias in the historic Vegueta cathedral.
18.30
Mass at the Gran Canaria Stadium and performance by the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra for some 36,000 people. Fan zone with concerts.
TENERIFE
Friday, June 12
8.30
Flight to Tenerife.
9.30
Meeting with migrants and staff from the Las Raíces migrant center.
10.10
The Pope listens to testimonies about the integration of people from Africa and Latin America in the Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna, where he delivers a speech.
10.40
Pastoral tour through La Laguna to Salazar Palace. The Pope travels in a small vehicle through Viana and San Agustín streets to greet vulnerable people and users of Church social centers.
12.00
Popemobile tour of the port.
12.15
Mass in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Mass Eucharist.
14.30
Farewell protocol ceremony at Los Rodeos airport.
With information from Clara Blanchar, Guillermo Vega and Marién Kadner.
Maps | All traffic cuts in Madrid and Barcelona, streets to avoid and restrictions
Leo XIV’s agenda between June 6 and 12 will cause street closures, detours, and public transport alterations.
