Frequently asked questions

Pope Leo XIV will visit Spain from 6 to 12 June 2026. The route includes Madrid (6-8 June), Barcelona (9-10 June), Gran Canaria (11 June) and Tenerife (12 June).

Pope Leo XIV lands at Madrid-Barajas Airport on Saturday 6 June 2026 at around 10:30, then heads to the Royal Palace for the welcome ceremony. He arrives in Barcelona on Tuesday 9 June around 12:25 (El Prat Airport), in Gran Canaria on Thursday 11 and in Tenerife on Friday 12. Times may change for security reasons.

In Madrid the Pope stays at the Apostolic Nunciature (the Holy See’s diplomatic mission in Spain); in Barcelona at the Episcopal Palace in the Gothic Quarter; and in Gran Canaria at the Episcopal Palace of Las Palmas. He does not stay in hotels, for protocol and security reasons.

The visit will cost about 25 million euros. Funding comes 45% from companies, foundations and private benefactors; 30% from the dioceses and the Spanish Bishops’ Conference; 5% from small donations; and 20% from public administrations (mainly security and transport). The estimated economic return exceeds 150 million euros.

The official motto of the apostolic visit is "Lift up your eyes", taken from the Gospel of John 4:35.

No. John Paul II visited Spain several times and Benedict XVI in 2011. However, this is the first visit by Leo XIV and the first time in history that a Pope visits the Canary Islands.

The Pope will visit four cities: Madrid (institutional and ecclesial events), Barcelona (blessing of the Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia), Gran Canaria (focus on migration) and Tenerife (closing Mass).

The official website is conelpapa.es, managed by the Spanish Episcopal Conference. Registration for Madrid events uses inscripciones.conelpapa.es.

Yes, all public events are completely free. However, prior registration via the official website is mandatory due to capacity and security.

You must register on the official website for each city. For Madrid, registration is at inscripciones.conelpapa.es. Choose the events, fill in the form and you’ll receive a confirmation email with your credential.

For public events (Masses, vigils) you need free prior registration. Some events such as the speech in Congress or private meetings are by invitation only and not open to the general public.

Yes, children can attend all public events. Bring sun protection, plenty of water and food. Mass events involve long waits and may not be suitable for very young children.

Yes. The organisation needs thousands of volunteers in each city. In Madrid alone 10,000 volunteers are sought for welcoming, logistics and support tasks. You can register at conelpapa.es.

The best options are the AVE (high-speed train) from major Spanish cities or flying to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. During the visit, Metro and Cercanías will be reinforced with extended hours.

Yes, major traffic closures are expected around event areas in every city. Public transport is strongly recommended. In Madrid, Cibeles, Castellana and Bernabéu areas will be affected.

In Madrid, during the Cibeles Mass on Sunday 7 June, the following stations close from 6:00 to 10:00 AM: Bilbao, Tribunal, Plaza de España, Noviciado, Ópera, Sol, Sevilla, Banco de España, Retiro, Príncipe de Vergara, Serrano, Colón and Chueca; from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Colón, Serrano, Velázquez, Retiro, Banco de España, Sevilla and Chueca stay closed. On Saturday 6 (Plaza de Lima vigil), entrances at Nuevos Ministerios, Cuzco and Santiago Bernabéu are shut. In Barcelona, Sagrada Família station (L2 and L5) is closed all day on Wednesday 10 June, with trains passing without stopping. See the day-by-day detail on the traffic closures page. Subject to last-minute changes.

On Wednesday 10 June the Sagrada Família is sealed within a nine-block perimeter between Rosselló, Lepant, València and Sicília streets. The popemobile runs from Diagonal/Rosselló, turning along Sardenya to the basilica, with closures on Rosselló, Mallorca, Provença, Marina and Sardenya. The operation also affects Ciutat Vella and Montjuïc; metro lines L1 to L5 are reinforced along with a shuttle between Plaça Espanya and the Olympic Stadium.

Flying is the only option. Direct flights to Gran Canaria (LPA) and Tenerife (TFN and TFS) from Madrid and Barcelona. Between islands there are 30-minute inter-island flights and 1h30 ferries. Book well in advance — demand will be very high.

Yes. Metro, buses and regional trains will extend their hours and frequencies in all cities during the visit days. Specific details will be published weeks before the event.

Best areas are Centro, Chamartín and the Castellana zone, close to the main events. Book as early as possible due to huge demand. Free accommodation is also available in parishes and religious schools with prior registration.

Yes. Parishes, schools and religious congregations offer free accommodation for pilgrims who need it. Registration is managed through the official website of each city.

Best areas are Eixample (near the Sagrada Familia) and Sants (good connection to Montjuïc and Montserrat). Book in advance as it coincides with peak tourist season.

On 10 June the Pope will celebrate a solemn Mass at the Sagrada Familia Basilica and, as the central act, bless and inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ, 172.5 metres tall. This coincides with the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

On Saturday 6 June at 20:00 a great youth vigil will be held at Plaza de Lima and surroundings. The Pope will tour the area in the popemobile, followed by his address and Eucharistic adoration. Prior registration required.

On 11 June the Pope will visit Arguineguín dock in Gran Canaria, a symbolic place of the migration crisis in the Canaries. A highly symbolic act about welcome and migrant rights.

Yes. RTVE (La 1, La 2 and RTVE Play) will broadcast all main events live and free-to-air. 13TV, TRECE and Vatican News will also provide coverage. Giant screens will be installed at key points in each city.

Open-air events will take place unless weather is extreme. Bring a folding umbrella or raincoat just in case. Events in enclosed venues (Sagrada Familia, Bernabéu, Movistar Arena) are unaffected.

For security reasons, large backpacks, sharp objects, glass bottles, drones and long umbrellas are not allowed. Bring only essentials in a small bag or bumbag. Security checks will be in place at all access points.