This page brings together real testimonies from pilgrims who lived the five major papal visits to Spain since 1982. Every testimony links back to its original source (Vatican.va, the official WYD channel, Spanish Catholic press), so you can check it. There are stories of young people caught by the Cuatro Vientos storm, of Galicians on Monte do Gozo, of Catalans at the dedication of the Sagrada Familia, of Madrilenians at the canonisation of the five Spanish saints. They may inspire pilgrims who are now getting ready for Pope Leo XIV’s visit (6-12 June 2026). And they make something obvious: what really counts is not how many people attended, but the mark each one takes home.
WYD Madrid · Cuatro Vientos vigil under the storm
Cuatro Vientos airfield, Madrid · 1.5-2 million young people · 190 countries
On 20 August 2011, during the vigil with Benedict XVI, a historic electrical storm forced the interruption of the event. The Pope refused to take shelter and remained on stage under a simple umbrella. After the storm, he spoke the now-famous words to the young people: "Your strength is greater than the rain".
«WYD is an experience where you renew and increase your faith, clear your doubts, find your path and perhaps discover your vocation. It is a unique opportunity in life.»
«WYD was an experience that encourages me to feel proud of Jesus and not to be ashamed of my faith in front of anyone. We saw the Pope young with the young, wet with the wet.»
«We have lived an adventure together. Firm in faith in Christ, you have resisted the rain. I give you thanks for the wonderful example you have given. Just as tonight, with Christ you will always be able to face life’s trials. Don’t forget it.»
Dedication of the Sagrada Familia · Barcelona
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona · 8,000 inside + 50,000 outside · over 1,000 concelebrating cardinals and bishops
On 7 November 2010 Benedict XVI consecrated the Sagrada Familia as a dedicated temple, 128 years after Antoni Gaudí began the works. The act was broadcast live worldwide. The basilica was, and still is, under construction: the central towers have not yet been completed.
«What drives so many people to leave their daily occupations and undertake the penitential journey to Compostela, a journey sometimes long and tiring, is the desire to reach the light of Christ. That same desire brings the pilgrims who accompany us today to Barcelona.»
«He personally opened the great main door of the temple and began the Holy Mass. The liturgical act featured the Coral de Sant Jordi, the Escolania of Montserrat and the Orfeó Català, 800 singers in total.»
Canonisation of five Spaniards · Plaza de Colón, Madrid
Plaza de Colón, Madrid · Nearly 2 million people
On 4 May 2003 John Paul II, already deeply weakened by Parkinson’s, canonised Pedro Poveda, José María Rubio, Genoveva Torres, Ángela de la Cruz and Maravillas of Jesus in Plaza de Colón. It was his last visit to Spain. He pronounced the famous phrase: "I too was young like you".
«I was 13 years old when I went with my family to Plaza de Colón for the canonisation Mass. I was struck by seeing the Pope so elderly, with so much physical difficulty, but with impressive strength when conveying the joy of following Christ. Today I am a priest.»
«May the example of the new saints, of full self-giving to God and service to brothers and sisters, be an encouragement to you, dear Spanish young people, to live the Christian vocation with generosity.»
WYD Santiago de Compostela · Monte do Gozo
Monte do Gozo, Santiago de Compostela · Over 500,000 young people · 100 countries
From 19 to 20 August 1989, John Paul II presided over the IV World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela. It was the first WYD on Spanish soil and the first with a Jacobean pilgrimage. Many pilgrims arrived on foot after walking the Way of Saint James. The anthem "We are the youth of 2000" remained engraved in the memory of an entire generation.
«You are the people of God who go on pilgrimage. So I too felt as a pilgrim in the Compostelan Holy Year when I first came in 1982. And now, dear children, remember that you are part of the missionary Church and must lean on Christ to announce his message of salvation.»
«Gathered on Monte do Gozo, where many had spent a damp night, the young people attended the Eucharist. At the end, the Pope handed the pilgrim staff to ten young people.»
First apostolic journey to Spain · John Paul II
16 Spanish cities in 10 days · Over 10 million people attended the events
From 31 October to 9 November 1982, John Paul II made the first papal visit to Spain since the 1953 Concordat. It was the longest international journey of his entire pontificate. He delivered the celebrated "European Act" in Santiago de Compostela: "Europe, find yourself again! Be yourself!".
«I, Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the universal Church, from Santiago I launch at you, old Europe, a cry full of love: find yourself again. Be yourself. Discover your origins. Revive your roots.»
Video gallery and archives
We collect official links so you can see the images and listen to the protagonists. All videos are on official channels of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, WYD Madrid 2011 or Goya Producciones.
- This is the Pope’s Youth · official documentary (145 min)
Goya Producciones
- Full WYD Madrid 2011 playlist
YouTube · official channel
- Memories of WYD Madrid 2011
Opus Dei
Live your own experience on 6-12 June 2026
Every papal visit leaves a different mark on each pilgrim. Leo XIV’s visit to Spain may be yours. Register for free on the official conelpapa.es platform, prepare your kit and bring your Vatican flag to greet the Pontiff at Plaza de Cibeles, the Bernabéu or the Gran Canaria Stadium.
Register for the Pope’s events →