(ANS – Madrid) – Pope Leo XIV will visit Spain from June 6–12, 2026, traveling to four cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The visit will focus on three pastoral themes—charity, the Eucharist, and encounter—and will carry the motto, “Lift Up Your Eyes” (Jn 4:35), inviting society to move beyond indifference and daily concerns. In all four cities, preparations are in full swing to ensure everything is ready for the days when Leo XIV visits each location.
In Barcelona, Las Palmas, and Tenerife, preparations are either underway or already completed at the venues where the Pope will hold his largest gatherings. These include the Olympic Stadium and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Port of Arguineguín and Gran Canaria Stadium in Las Palmas, and the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Of particular note is the grand altar prepared for the farewell Mass. Facing the sea, it is constructed of volcanic stone, incorporates native Canarian plants, and features a canopy measuring more than 3,200 square feet (300 square meters) and nearly 92 feet (28 meters) in length. Its installation required the work of 200 laborers.
In Barcelona, regional authorities have announced that before the celebration at the Sagrada Familia on the afternoon of June 10, Pope Leo XIV will greet the faithful from the popemobile as he travels through the city streets. His route will follow Carrer Rosselló, between Avinguda Diagonal and Carrer Sardenya, before arriving at the Basilica.
The Commitment of the Salesian Community in Madrid
The Salesian presence in Madrid will play a special role thanks to the participation of more than 1,200 young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), who will take part in the principal events scheduled in the capital.
One of the main lodging centers will be Salesians Atocha, where approximately 700 young people from the SYM will stay overnight. They will be joined by nearly 1,800 young people from various dioceses, movements, and Church groups who will participate in the gatherings with the Holy Father.
Following the vigil with the Pope in Plaza de Lima, during the night of June 6–7, Salesians Atocha will provide a space for prayer for the 2,500 young pilgrims staying at the facility. Beginning at 1:00 a.m., the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians will host Eucharistic Adoration and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
To facilitate this encounter with God’s mercy, approximately fifty priests will be available to hear confessions throughout the night. The initiative aims to offer young people an experience of shared faith, encounter, and ecclesial communion alongside participants from different backgrounds, movements, and dioceses.
Members of the SYM will also gather for prayer at Atocha on the morning of Saturday, June 6, in preparation for the vigil with the Pope in Plaza de Lima that afternoon.
Presence of Young People from Salesian Centers
In addition to those participating in the events with the Pope, approximately 200 young people have registered as volunteers to assist with event organization. They will be joined by nearly 300 children, young people, educators, and youth leaders from Salesian communities who will form part of the choirs leading the liturgical celebrations.
Pilgrim accommodations will also extend to other Salesian centers throughout Madrid. In total, the Salesian houses in the capital have offered 2,100 lodging spaces. Along with Salesians Atocha, Salesians Estrecho will host approximately 300 young people, while Salesians Domingo Savio, located in the San Blas district, will accommodate another 400.
In the days leading up to the event, educational communities are finalizing preparations for classrooms, hallways, and gymnasiums that will serve as lodging areas. Young people from the Salesian works themselves are actively participating through hospitality, logistics, and cleaning teams. After the major events conclude, they will also help dismantle temporary installations and restore the facilities, accompanied by Salesians, educators, and youth leaders.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit is therefore being welcomed as an opportunity to strengthen youth participation, deepen the lived experience of faith, and foster a stronger sense of Church among thousands of young people arriving from different parts of Spain.
Source: Salesians SSM, Salesianos.info