Within the framework of his visit to Spain—from June 6 to 12, 2026—León XIV could intervene in a joint parliamentary session of the Cortes Generales. According to Europa Press, the Vatican and the Congress are agreeing that the Pontiff deliver a speech before deputies and senators gathered in the hemicycle.
If confirmed, it would be the first time a Pope formally addresses Spanish parliamentarians in the Congress of Deputies, a setting that has indeed hosted interventions by other heads of State on official visits.
A proposal for a joint session
According to the disseminated information, the initiative to hold a joint session came from the Vatican and was forwarded to the Presidency of the Congress, which would have shown its agreement. Subsequently, the Spanish Episcopal Conference formalized the request in writing to the presidencies of the Congress and the Senate, following indications from the Holy See.
The idea contemplated a session in the hemicycle with the presence of members from both Chambers, in which the Pope would intervene in his capacity as head of State and subject of international law. The initially indicated date would be Monday, June 8, a day that does not alter the ordinary calendar of plenary sessions.
The session is not yet confirmed
After these reports became known, the Information Office of the Spanish Episcopal Conference clarified that, although the request has been presented to the presidencies of both Chambers, neither the meeting nor the place where it could be held are confirmed at the moment.
The CEE confirmed that it has formally submitted the request for a joint session with Pope León XIV, at the indication of the Holy See, but emphasized that it is a proposal pending finalization within the definitive program of the trip.
A trip with pastoral and institutional dimensions
The spokesperson of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Mons. César García Magán, explained in the press conference at the end of the Assembly of the Permanent Commission, that the visit has a dual dimension: pastoral, as an encounter with the local Churches, and institutional, given that the Pope is also head of State.
Likewise, he noted that the announcement of the trip has been received by the episcopate “with joy and hope”. In the coming weeks, a commission from the Holy See will travel to Spain to review possible venues and advance in the definition of the program, which is not yet closed.