The recent private audience granted by Pope Leo XIV to the Archbishop of Pamplona, Mons. Florencio Roselló, last Monday, February 9, has reignited speculation about his possible transfer to the Archdiocese of Barcelona. The information from the portal Germinans Germinabit, which interprets the meeting as a significant move in the succession process of Cardinal Juan José Omella.
Roselló traveled to Rome last Sunday and was received in a private audience the following day, with no official details emerging about the purpose of the visit. Although the Pope holds regular meetings with numerous bishops, not all private audiences go unnoticed in contexts of potential episcopal changes.
A Candidacy Gaining Momentum
Roselló’s name has been circulating for months as a possible successor to Omella in Barcelona. According to Germinans, the current cardinal has shown sympathy for the profile of the Archbishop of Pamplona, which would add an additional element to the interpretation of the recent meeting at the Vatican.
Until now, some observers considered the transfer unlikely, given the short time Roselló has been leading the Navarrese archdiocese. His appointment in Pamplona occurred in January 2024, so an eventual move to Barcelona would represent a particularly rapid step within usual practices.
However, recent precedents in other European dioceses show that episcopal tenures can be shorter than customary when certain circumstances arise.
Ties to Catalonia
Although born in Alcorisa (Teruel), Roselló maintains a pastoral trajectory closely linked to Catalonia. He entered the minor seminary of the Mercedarians in Reus at a young age and developed much of his ministry in Barcelona before taking on responsibilities in other dioceses. As sources familiar with the process recall, he understands Catalan perfectly and would have no difficulty operating in that context.
This aspect could be considered relevant in a see like Barcelona, where the cultural and linguistic dimension carries significant weight.
A Succession Framed in a Key Moment
The eventual appointment would coincide with preparations for the Pope’s visit to Barcelona on the occasion of the centenary of Antoni Gaudí, as well as the proximity of Cardinal Omella’s retirement age.
In recent months, some decisions taken in the archdiocese have been interpreted by certain sectors as signs of an imminent transition, although no changes have been officially announced.
Interpretations and Caution
Beyond the conjectures, there is no official confirmation regarding the succession in Barcelona. As is customary in these processes, the final discernment rests exclusively with the Holy Father.
In the event of the appointment occurring, some analysts point out that it would consolidate a certain episcopal line in Catalonia, marked by religious profiles and pastoral positions that have shown support for certain social policies promoted in recent years.
For now, the private audience with the Pope adds one more element to a process that, until an official announcement is made, remains in the realm of hypotheses.