Pope Leo began his Catalan visit with an arrival in Barcelona, where thousands of faithful gathered to welcome him. After his stay in Madrid, the pontiff landed at Barcelona-El Prat Airport before heading to the city center to the cheers of many believers who had come to witness this highly anticipated visit. During a midday prayer service, he addressed the faithful in Catalan and Spanish. In his message, he called for unity and thanked the people for their welcome, their joy, and their devotion to the Christian faith. Thousands of people participated in this celebration, one of the highlights of his visit to the Catalan capital. The visit will also be marked on June 10 by the blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the newest and tallest tower of the Sagrada Família basilica, an iconic Barcelona landmark and the tallest church in the world at 172.5 meters. This symbolic event is part of a program combining religious ceremonies and meetings designed to strengthen ties with local communities. A vigil bringing together many young people was scheduled for the evening at the city's Olympic Stadium, extending a day dedicated to dialogue and unity. This visit comes as Barcelona confirms its status as a major destination for religious tourism and large international events. After Catalonia, the Pope will continue his trip with a two-day visit to the Canary Islands, the final stop on his first official trip to Spain since his election. This trip illustrates the Vatican's commitment to maintaining an active presence in the various regions of the country.
