Volunteering at Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain

How to take part as a volunteer in the June 2026 apostolic journey

Why volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of every papal visit. WYD Madrid 2011 had over 35,000 volunteers; Pope Francis’ visit to Fatima 2017, around 12,000. For June 2026, between 6,000 and 8,000 volunteers are expected across the four host cities.

Volunteer areas

Welcome and information

First contact with pilgrims. Information points at stations, airports and event venues.

Profile sought:: Languages (essential English, Italian or French appreciated), warm manners, time availability.
Estimated places:: 1,500-2,000

Event logistics

Assembly and dismantling of venues, access management, material distribution, crowd flow control.

Profile sought:: Physical condition, over 18, teamwork, availability from the day before the event.
Estimated places:: 3,000-4,000

Liturgy and celebrations

Support for Eucharistic celebrations: singers, readers, communion distribution, altar server teams.

Profile sought:: Basic liturgical formation, catechists, seminarians, parish choir members.
Estimated places:: 800-1,000

Medical teams

First-aid stations, care for pilgrims with health problems during mass events.

Profile sought:: Medical, nursing, physiotherapy professionals or students. Basic life support training.
Estimated places:: 500-700

Translation and interpretation

Support for international groups. Accompaniment of non-Spanish-speaking pilgrims during events.

Profile sought:: C1 level in at least one foreign language. Priority: Italian, English, French, Portuguese, German.
Estimated places:: 300-400

Communication and social media

Photography, video, social media teams, media attention, live event coverage.

Profile sought:: Training or experience in communication, journalism, audiovisual, social media management.
Estimated places:: 200-300

Family and children care

Rest spaces for families, entertainment for minors, breastfeeding and changing points.

Profile sought:: Experience with minors (camps, catechesis), patience, energy, over 18.
Estimated places:: 200-300

Accessibility and reduced-mobility care

Accompaniment of persons with reduced mobility, management of accessible areas, sign language interpreters.

Profile sought:: Sensitivity, disability training appreciated, sign language highly valued, physical strength for wheelchairs.
Estimated places:: 300-400

Requirements

Over 18 years old. Some areas (logistics, medical) require legal age. Under 16-17 only with parental authorisation and in specific areas.
Mandatory prior training. Between 8 and 16 hours depending on area. Combination of online (Pope Leo XIV background, trip keys) and in-person (protocols, zones, safety).
Full availability. Most areas require being available for the 4 days of the trip (6-9 June in Madrid, then by city) or at least the 2 days of the assigned event.
Commitment and punctuality. Signed attendance commitment. Late cancellation affects planned services for thousands of pilgrims.

Logistics and medical areas require being 18+.

Benefits

✨ Privileged access to events. Reserved areas for volunteers with direct visibility of the Pope at key moments.
✨ Official volunteer kit. T-shirt, cap, backpack and identification credential for the 2026 apostolic visit.
✨ Meals during shifts. Food and drinks covered during service shifts, as well as continuous catering.
✨ Official certificate. Certificate signed by the Spanish Episcopal Conference attesting to the service rendered. Valid for CVs and pastoral experience.
✨ International community. Coexistence with volunteers from all over Spain and the world. An ecclesial experience that leaves a mark.

How to apply

Official registration is managed via the visit portal (conelpapa.es) and the host dioceses. It usually opens 6 months before the trip. Steps:

1Register on the official portal with your data and a photo
2Choose preferred areas (multiple allowed)
3Sign attendance commitment and accept code of conduct
4Complete online training (8-16 hours depending on area)
5Attend in-person training 1-2 weeks before the visit
6Collect your credential and kit in the assigned city