Bishop of Cuenca, Monsignor José María Yanguas, has encouraged the faithful of the diocese to prepare themselves spiritually “with prayer and sacrifice” for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain, scheduled for the first weeks of June.
In his Sunday homily on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, the prelate highlighted that the Pope’s presence in Spain represents an opportunity to renew faith, strengthen hope, and promote Christian commitment in a social context marked by tensions and division.
“Let us prepare ourselves spiritually for it with prayer and the sacrifice of the day-to-day of our lives offered to God,” the bishop asked, also inviting the faithful to live united to the sacrifice of Christ in the Holy Mass.
A visit that awakens “interest and expectations”
The bishop noted that since the official confirmation of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain, the news has occupied a wide space in the media and has awakened “undeniable interest and expectations.”
In his view, Catholics expect from the Pope a word that confirms faith, revives hope, and promotes charity, while many non-believers also expect a voice capable of shedding light on fundamental social issues such as justice, social friendship, and peace.
“Any attempt to build a better world must be built upon these solid foundations,” he affirmed.
The bishop presents Leo XIV as a Pope for times of tension
During his reflection, the prelate described Leo XIV as a pontiff especially suited for the current moment, characterized—according to his explanation—by tensions between opposing blocs, ideological polarization, and the weakening of shared values.
Yanguas highlighted the new Pope’s “serene, kind, and simple” personality, as well as his “calm determination and balance.”
“The sweet Christ on earth”
The bishop quoted Saint Catherine of Siena to refer to the Successor of Peter as “the sweet Christ on earth,” thereby underscoring the spiritual dimension that, for believers, the figure of the Pope holds.
According to him, many also expect Leo XIV to offer a word that is “free” and “free of human interests,” capable of challenging even those who come to listen to him without sharing the Catholic faith.
Call to live the Pope’s visit as a grace for Spain
The bishop concluded his message by inviting the faithful to welcome the Pontiff’s visit as a blessing for the Church and for the entire nation.
“May the presence of the Pope in Spain be a blessing from God our Lord for each one of us and for the entire nation,” he affirmed at the end of his homily.