The president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), Monsignor Luis Argüello, will form part of the official entourage accompanying Pope Leo XIV during his apostolic journey to Spain. The decision has been communicated by the Holy See to the Archbishop of Valladolid, who will be present at the various events the Pontiff will celebrate in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands between June 6 and 12.
According to the Archdiocese of Valladolid, Argüello will accompany the Holy Father throughout the itinerary of a visit that marks the first major apostolic journey of Leo XIV in European territory and one of the most significant ecclesial events in recent years for the Church in Spain.
A prominent role for the president of the Episcopal Conference
Argüello’s presence in the papal entourage strengthens the institutional role of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. As president of the CEE, the Archbishop of Valladolid will be one of the main interlocutors of the Spanish Church during the Pope’s stay.
On June 8, Leo XIV will visit the headquarters of the Spanish Episcopal Conference on the occasion of the institution’s 60th anniversary. The occasion, the archdiocese notes, will be especially significant as it will be the first visit of a Pontiff to the Spanish episcopal headquarters in the current ecclesial context.
“Lift Up Your Gaze,” the motto of the visit
Just days before the Pope’s arrival, Argüello has encouraged the faithful to experience this event as an opportunity to renew their faith and strengthen ecclesial communion. The archbishop has recalled that the Holy Father’s visit is not directed solely at those who can physically attend the scheduled events, but at all Spanish Catholics.
In this regard, he has invited everyone to welcome Pope Leo XIV’s message under the motto chosen for the journey, “Lift Up Your Gaze,” a call to view reality through Christian hope and to rediscover the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Coinciding with the tenth anniversary of his episcopal ordination
The apostolic visit will also take place just days after Monsignor Argüello marks ten years of episcopal ministry. The archbishop was ordained bishop on June 3, 2016, after being appointed auxiliary bishop of Valladolid by Pope Francis.
The prelate has acknowledged that this coincidence represents for him an occasion to renew his commitment to episcopal service and to live with greater intensity the pastoral responsibility entrusted to him by the Church.