Pope Leo XIV Announces Apostolic Visit to Spain in June 2026

Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on an apostolic trip to Spain from June 6 to June 12, 2026, as confirmed by the Holy See on Wednesday. While the specifics of the visit remain undisclosed, the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) has also confirmed that the Supreme Pontiff will be in the country for six days. His trip follows an invitation from Spain's Head of State and ecclesiastical authorities. The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, stated, "The itinerary of the trip will be disclosed in due time," marking a significant moment as no pope has visited Spain in fifteen years since Pope Benedict XVI's visit in 2011. Notably, Pope Francis, who passed away in April last year, never had the opportunity to visit Spain. Preliminary hints about the itinerary suggest that Pope Leo XIV will visit key locations including Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. Cardinal and Archbishop of Madrid, José Cobo, indicated that these fundamental points would be part of the trip. The stop in Barcelona is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the centenary of the death of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí on June 10, 1926, and the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia. Archbishop of Tarragona, Joan Planellas, announced that the Pontiff will preside over the inauguration of this tower, the highest point of the Sagrada Familia temple, with a mass event expected to take place at the Olympic Stadium. Additionally, the visit to the Canary Islands was initially planned by Pope Francis due to its significance as a migration route, although it could not be realized during his papacy. This upcoming trip will mark the fourth international journey of Pope Leo XIV since his election, following travels to Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025, along with two other trips announced today to Monaco and various African nations from April 13 to 23, 2026. Pope Leo XIV, who also holds Peruvian nationality from his years as a bishop and missionary in Peru, has expressed a longstanding desire to visit Spain, a country he has a deep connection to through his mother's lineage. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2