The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Mons. Piero Pioppo, presented himself to the Spanish episcopate at the opening of the CXXIX Plenary Assembly with an intervention centered on the figure of Pope Leo XIV and the preparation for his upcoming visit to the country.
From the outset, he wanted to situate his mission in direct reference to the Pontiff: “I will not speak to you about myself, but about whom I represent: the Holy Father,” he affirmed, conveying to the bishops “his greeting and blessing.”
The first task: preparing the visit of Leo XIV
Pioppo emphasized that the organization of the Pope’s apostolic trip, scheduled from June 6 to 12, has become his main responsibility since his arrival. “The preparation of his Apostolic Journey to Spain […] has become, right from the moment I arrived, the honor of my first task,” he stated.
The nuncio thanked the joint work of dioceses, institutions, and volunteers, convinced that the encounter will be “fruitful” and will strengthen the life of the Church in Spain.
A Pope close to Spain
A good part of his intervention was dedicated to outlining the figure of Leo XIV, highlighting his bond with the Hispanic tradition and his knowledge of the country. “I know well that the Pope is loved. He is loved everywhere. I see that Spain loves the Pope,” he affirmed.
In addition, he recalled that the Pontiff is the heir to a cultural tradition marked by Spanish presence and that he has lived closely the evangelizing work in America, especially in Peru.
Christian identity that “generates future”
In line with the magisterium of the new Pope, Pioppo insisted on the importance of maintaining Christian identity. Quoting Leo XIV himself, he underlined that “fidelity to one’s own identity generates future.”
In that context, he evoked the history of Spain as a nation open to the world and with a universal vocation: “Spain, faithful to its Christian roots, has never enclosed itself within itself,” but has been at the service of peace and solidarity among peoples.
The family and life as the basis of society
The nuncio also placed emphasis on the value of the family, defined as “the basis of the human community and humanizing,” called to “love and respect life integrally, God’s gift.”
This reference places the core of the speech in a clear vision of society, in which the dignity of life and the role of the family occupy a central place.
A living Church and in mission
Pioppo also wanted to highlight the vitality of the Church in Spain, which he described as capable of offering “not only words of encouragement, but effective help” to those facing difficulties.
In that sense, he encouraged the bishops to be “shepherds dedicated to the ministry of unity and guides in the proclamation of the Gospel,” caring for the celebration of the sacraments and the witness of charity.
The speech concluded with a direct call to center ecclesial life on Christ: “Lift up your eyes! […] Fixed on Him, we move forward,” the nuncio exhorted.