The Pope
in Spain
The Pope
in Spain
Prepare for a little chaos
Pope Leo is coming to Spain
Pope Leo will be visiting Spain from 6 to 11 June. He will first be in Madrid from 6–9 June, before travelling to Barcelona from 9–11 June.
As this is a papal visit, you should expect road closures, restricted access to certain attractions, large crowds and possible delays throughout the city.
Here is a rough overview of his scheduled events and appearances.
Possible disruptions
The Pope in Madrid
The information below is based on details published by Vatican News and has been condensed to the points most relevant for visitors.
On Saturday, 6 June, the Pope is scheduled to arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport at around 10.20 h. If you happen to be arriving there at the same time, expect a rather busy atmosphere.
At approximately 11.20 h, an official welcome ceremony will take place at the Royal Palace of Madrid (Link to 0ur german page). The palace has announced that it will be closed for preparations from 3 to 6 June inclusive, reopening on 7 June at 11.30 h.
A number of further engagements will follow, although these are unlikely to affect major tourist attractions.
On Sunday, 7 June, visitors will have the chance to see the Pope in the Popemobile. From 9.15 h, he is expected to make a circuit around Plaza de Cibeles before celebrating Mass there. Museums surrounding the square — including CentroCentro, Casa de América, Banco de España and Naval Museum of Madrid — may experience disruptions or restricted access.
On Monday, 8 June, things become particularly relevant for visitors again from 17.50 h, when the Pope is due to visit the Almudena Cathedral (Link to 0ur german page) and take part in a prayer in honour of the Virgin of Almudena.
From 18.35 h, he will head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Link to 0ur german page), where he is once again expected to travel through the city in the Popemobile.
The Madrid leg of the visit concludes on Tuesday, 9 June. After attending a morning Mass, the Pope is scheduled to leave for the airport at around 10.30 h before continuing his journey to Barcelona.
Possible disruptions
The Pope in Barcelona
On Tuesday, 9 June, the Pope is scheduled to arrive at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport at around 12.20 h. If you are arriving or departing that day, hopefully everything will run smoothly, but some delays and additional security measures are certainly possible.
The programm begins almost immediately afterwards. At 12.55 h, the Pope will attend a prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.
The afternoon is relatively quiet before activities resume at 19.35 h, when the Pope is expected to appear in the Popemobile at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Montjuïc.
On Wednesday, 10 June, the Pope will travel to Montserrat Abbey. He is scheduled to visit the basilica and the famous Black Madonna at around 11.50 h.
Later that day, attention will turn to Sagrada Família. At approximately 18.50 h, the Pope will visit Gaudí’s tomb in the crypt before celebrating a Holy Mass and consecrating the newly completed Christ Tower.
Please note that access to this event will be by official invitation only. In any case, tickets for the Sagrada Família are already sold out until the end of June, so anyone who has not yet secured tickets for this period will need to look for alternatives.
The Barcelona visit is relatively short. On Thursday, 11 June, the Pope is expected to leave for the airport at 8.30 h before continuing his journey to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2026
With the help of program information from Vatican News!