Barcelona: A giant castle welcomes Pope Leo XIV in front of 40,000 young people

 

Barcelona: A giant castle welcomes Pope Leo XIV

Nearly 40,000 young people gathered at Barcelona's Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium for a large prayer vigil presided over by Pope Leo XIV, during which the pontiff called for solidarity in the face of the psychological and social difficulties affecting a segment of European youth. The event opened with a spectacular castell, or human tower, one of Catalonia's most emblematic traditions. Standing about twelve meters tall and composed of nine levels, this human tower, mobilizing more than a thousand participants, symbolized trust, mutual support, and collective effort. Recognized by UNESCO since 2010, this cultural heritage set the tone for an evening dedicated to dialogue, solidarity, and mutual support. Throughout the discussions, several young adults shared their experiences of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and domestic violence. Speaking in Catalan and Spanish, Leo XIV urged participants not to face their trials alone and called for stronger bonds of support within families, communities, and society. He also encouraged those experiencing fear, despair, or violence to seek help and speak openly about their difficulties. Greeted by warm applause, the Pope arrived in the Popemobile before answering questions from the audience and addressing the emotional pressures faced by many young people. This vigil was one of the highlights of his visit to Spain. On June 10 at 7:30 p.m., Leo XIV will bless the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família Basilica. Reaching a height of 172.5 meters, this final tower, designed by Antoni Gaudí, completes the architectural project of the monument and coincides with the centenary of its creator's death. The Pope's journey will then continue before concluding in the Canary Islands.


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