The apostolic nuncio to Spain and Andorra, Monsignor Piero Pioppo, has called on Catholics to remain faithful to Christ and to “not be swept away by the logic of the world” during the pontifical office celebrated in Tarragona Cathedral on the occasion of the solemnity of Saint Thecla, patroness of the city.
According to the Archdiocese of Tarragona reported, Pioppo presided this Wednesday, September 23, at the celebration accompanied by Archbishop Joan Planellas, the cathedral chapter, and priests from the city. Also in attendance were the mayor of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales, members of the municipal corporation, and representatives of various civil, academic, military, and police institutions.
The celebration began with the opening of the urn that holds the relic of Saint Thecla’s arm. Subsequently, the nuncio carried the reliquary to the high altar of the Cathedral during the entrance procession.
Planellas welcomed the papal representative, noting that his presence in Tarragona made especially visible the local Church’s connection with Rome. “You come as the representative of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, and you make his closeness, his communion, and his solicitude for all the Churches present among us in a particular way,” he stated.
“Being consistent with the profession of faith”
Pioppo devoted his homily to three images related to Easter: the vigil, the night, and the door.
Speaking of the vigil, he urged maintaining fidelity to God even in difficulties and living with the conviction that God cares for humanity. Regarding the night, he pointed out that Christians are called to assume in daily life a kind of “hidden martyrdom” through self-giving in professional, family, and marital spheres.
“One must be consistent with the profession of faith, fulfilling what we promised and forever leaving behind what we renounced at Baptism,” affirmed the representative of the Holy See.
The nuncio then presented Christ as the door through which the faithful enter into the building of His Kingdom. “What truly matters is that our sufferings be for Jesus, for just causes,” he added.
Pioppo concluded by inviting the faithful to follow the example of Saint Thecla and to “not be swept away by the logic of the world, but to remain in Him who has overcome the world with His love,” so that the Christian faith may continue to illuminate the lives of men and women.
At the end of the Mass, he imparted, in the name of Leo XIV, the apostolic blessing with a plenary indulgence. The celebration concluded with the veneration of the relic of Saint Thecla.
Pioppo’s first pastoral visit to Tarragona
The celebration is part of the visit the nuncio is making to the Archdiocese of Tarragona between September 22 and 25. Pioppo arrived on Tuesday from Madrid and held an initial meeting with Planellas and the members of the Episcopal Council, during which he learned about the pastoral priorities of the archdiocese for the 2026-2027 academic year.
After Wednesday’s pontifical office, he also presided over solemn vespers and the procession with the relic of Saint Thecla’s arm through the streets of Tarragona.
On Thursday, he met with the diocesan clergy and later traveled to the Mas d’Enric Penitentiary Center, where the celebration of the Eucharist with inmates and volunteers was scheduled. In the evening, his agenda continued in Reus with the torchlight rosary procession in honor of Our Lady of Mercy.
The visit concludes this Friday, September 25, with the solemn Mass of Our Lady of Mercy, which Pioppo will preside at 11:00 a.m. in the square of the Reus shrine.