Pope Leo XIV arrived this Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Barcelona for the second stage of his apostolic journey through Spain. The pontiff landed at El Prat Airport at around 12:49 pm and went directly to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, where he led the Middle Hour prayer and delivered a homily.
In the Cathedral, Leo XIV emphasized the theme of unity. He called on the people of Barcelona and Catalonia to become “builders of unity” in a world marked by divisions and wars. The homily was delivered in Catalan and Spanish, alternating between the languages.
Reception at the Cathedral and local traditionsCardinal Juan José Omella welcomed the Pope with a speech beginning in Catalan. Leo XIV prayed in silence before the tomb of Saint Eulalia, co-patron saint of Barcelona, and visited the cloister, where he observed the dancing egg fountain, a centuries-old tradition of Corpus Christi.
Thousands of faithful waited in the square in front of the Cathedral. The Pope made a surprise appearance at the Episcopal Palace, where he is staying, and greeted the crowd with brief words, thanking them for their patience and joy.
Meeting with Catalan authoritiesSalvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, received the Pope at the airport and met with him in a private audience at the Episcopal Palace. Illa presented the pontiff with institutional items linked to Catalan history and tradition, including a request for the use of Catalan in events such as the blessing at the Sagrada Familia.
The Pope also left a message in the Cathedral’s Book of Honor, highlighting peace and unity. Authorities such as Mayor Jaume Collboni prepared gifts, including work by urban artist TVBoy.
Vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic StadiumIn the afternoon, the main event was the prayer vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, which brought together around 40 thousand faithful from all over Catalonia and other regions of Spain. The stadium opened its doors at around 4pm, with a preliminary program of musical performances, including Conchita, Beret, Alfred García, Álvaro Soler and other artists.
Organizers set up around 50 confessionals at the site. The stage incorporated elements inspired by Antoni Gaudí and Catalan symbols, such as the Sagrada Familia and the Virgin of Montserrat. The Pope’s arrival in the popemobile was scheduled between 7:30 pm and 8 pm, with a return to the track to greet the public.
Schedule for the next few daysFor Wednesday, June 10th, Leo XIV has a visit to the Brians 1 penitentiary, a visit to Montserrat Abbey and a solemn mass at the Sagrada Familia, with a blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ, marking the Gaudí Year.
The visit takes place with a strong security operation, reinforcement of public transport and measures to not interfere with the PAU exams or teacher protests. In Madrid, the previous passage generated an estimated economic impact of 120 million euros and 5.6 million metro trips.
