Pope Leo XIV will carry out an intense schedule this Tuesday between Madrid and Barcelona, marked by pastoral encounters, liturgical acts, and a large prayer vigil with young people at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys.
The day will begin in Madrid with a privately celebrated Mass and various meetings before his transfer to the IFEMA fairgrounds, where he will hold an event with volunteers from different ecclesial spheres. There he will listen to several testimonies and deliver a speech before departing for Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Arrival in Barcelona and visit to the Cathedral
After a flight of just over an hour from the Spanish capital, Leo XIV will arrive at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, where he will be received by representatives of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Before leaving the airport facilities, the Pontiff will bless the tabernacle of the airport chapel.
He will then proceed to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, seat of the Archdiocese of Barcelona. There he will be received by Cardinal Juan José Omella and will take part in the recitation of the Midday Prayer with the clergy and the faithful. During the celebration he will deliver a homily and afterwards will descend to the crypt to pray before the tomb of Saint Eulalia, patroness of the city.
The visit will also include a meeting with seminarians, a greeting to the cathedral chapter, and to various authorities present in the historic Barcelona temple.
Meeting with Salvador Illa and encounter with the Augustinians
After a private lunch at the Archbishop’s House, the Holy Father will hold a meeting with the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, current head of the Catalan regional government.
The afternoon agenda also includes a private meeting with members of the Order of Saint Augustine, the religious family to which Leo XIV belongs.
A large vigil with young people will close the day
The event with young people will take place at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys in Barcelona. Before the celebration begins, the Pope will tour the venue in the popemobile to greet the attendees and will bless around thirty ambulances.
The vigil will include moments of prayer, testimonies, music, and a direct dialogue between Leo XIV and several young people, who will pose questions to the Pontiff. The celebration will conclude with the proclamation of the Gospel, the papal homily, the profession of faith, and the final blessing.
After the vigil, Leo XIV will return to the Archbishop’s House in Barcelona, where he will end the day with a private dinner before resuming the commitments scheduled for the following day of his apostolic visit.