Vatican talk prospect of Pope Leo XIV visiting Spain « Euro Weekly News

Senior figures within the Spanish Catholic Church are preparing to hold formal discussions with the Vatican over the possibility of a future visit by Pope Leo XIV to Spain. The talks, scheduled for the following weeks, are expected to focus on whether such a trip could be placed on the Pope’s agenda, although no official decision has yet been taken.

The meeting will involve the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Valladolid, Luis Argüello, alongside the Archbishops of Madrid and Barcelona, Cardinals José Cobo and Juan José Omella. They are due to meet officials from the Vatican Secretariat of State on 9 January. The timing follows a global consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV on 7 and 8 January, which will bring together cardinals from around the world, including the Spanish representatives.

Madrid and Barcelona among potential destinations
Cultural and religious milestones influence planning

Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the principal cities under consideration should the visit move beyond the exploratory phase. Barcelona’s potential inclusion is closely tied to upcoming cultural and religious commemorations, most notably the centenary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudí in 2026. Gaudí’s association with the Sagrada Familia has given the city a unique place within global Catholic heritage.

Madrid, as Spain’s capital and a central point of institutional and religious life, is also regarded as a natural stop. Any papal appearance in the city would carry both symbolic and diplomatic weight, reflecting its role as a meeting point between Church, state and society.

Santiago de Compostela and other historic sites assessed
Tradition and anniversaries shape wider route

Church officials are also considering a possible stop in Santiago de Compostela, reflecting a tradition maintained by previous pontiffs. The Galician city has hosted papal visits in the past and remains one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Europe, making it a recurring point of reference in Vatican travel planning.

Beyond the major urban centres, a wider itinerary is being examined that could include cities linked to major historical and religious anniversaries. Toledo has been mentioned in connection with the forthcoming 800th anniversary of its Primatial Cathedral, while Salamanca is associated with the 500th anniversary of Francisco de Vitoria’s incorporation into the School of Salamanca. Ávila, Segovia and Úbeda are also under consideration in relation to commemorations linked to Saint John of the Cross, alongside Mayorga, which is connected to the jubilee of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.

June discussed as possible timeframe
Timing remains provisional and unconfirmed

While no date has been formally announced, Church sources indicate that June is being discussed as a potential timeframe for the visit. Any such planning remains provisional and dependent on Vatican approval, with officials emphasising that logistical, diplomatic and pastoral considerations must still be evaluated.

A June visit would coincide with fifteen years since Pope Benedict XVI last travelled to Spain, although Church figures have stressed that anniversary alignment alone will not determine the outcome. The January meeting is expected to clarify whether the proposal advances to a more detailed planning stage.

Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding links with Spain
Previous visits strengthen expectations

Before his election to the papacy, Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, travelled frequently to Spain during his time as superior general of the Order of Saint Augustine. His visits included a wide range of cities across the country, reflecting long-standing institutional and pastoral ties with Spanish religious communities.

More recently, in September 2024, he returned to Spain in his role as cardinal and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. During that visit, he travelled to Ávila to visit the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus, now the Basilica of La Santa, where he left a formal record of his presence. These connections are seen by Church observers as reinforcing the plausibility of a future papal visit.

Political and institutional backing expressed
Invitations extended by Spanish leaders

Support for a papal visit has also been voiced at an institutional level. During the Mass marking the beginning of Leo XIV’s pontificate in May, King Felipe VI expressed his hope that the Pope would visit Spain in the near future. A similar invitation was later extended by the Mayor of Madrid towards the end of the year.

While such gestures underline political and civic interest, the final decision rests with the Vatican. No confirmation has been issued, and Church officials continue to stress that discussions remain exploratory.

What is currently known

Spanish bishops will meet Vatican officials in January to discuss a possible visit
Madrid, Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela are among the cities being considered
Several other locations linked to major religious anniversaries are under review
June is being discussed as a possible timeframe, but no date has been confirmed

Decision awaits Vatican assessment
Next steps dependent on January talks

For now, the prospect of a papal visit to Spain remains under consideration rather than confirmed. The outcome of the January meeting will determine whether formal preparations begin or whether discussions remain preliminary. Until the Vatican makes an announcement, all plans should be regarded as tentative