Pope Leo XIV to dedicate second day in Barcelona to Montserrat and Sagrada Familia

Pope Leo XIV continues his visit to Barcelona on Wednesday with a schedule focused on symbolic and social engagements. His day includes a significant trip to the historic Montserrat Abbey and a blessing ceremony for the Tower of Jesus at the renowned Sagrada Familia.

The pontiff's second day in the Catalan capital begins with a brief visit to the Brians 1 penitentiary center in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, where he will be welcomed by 80 inmates. Following this, he will travel to the sacred mountain of Montserrat, a site of deep religious and cultural importance.

At Montserrat Abbey, Pope Leo XIV will lead the recitation of the Holy Rosary, accompanied by the traditional singing of the Salve and Virolai by the Escolanía, the abbey's renowned boys' choir. This spiritual event underscores the significance of the location in his pastoral visit.

Returning to Barcelona, the Pope's afternoon agenda includes a meeting at the Church of San Agustín in the Raval neighborhood. Here, he will engage with social assistance organizations and vulnerable individuals, highlighting the Church's commitment to social welfare. The day's events will culminate with a solemn Mass at the Sagrada Familia, the world's tallest church.

A key moment of the visit will be the Pope's blessing of the Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia. This event coincides with the centenary of the death of the basilica's visionary architect, Antoni Gaudí. The blessing marks a significant step in the completion of Gaudí's masterpiece, fulfilling his original design. The pontiff is expected to arrive in a popemobile, allowing him to greet the faithful along the city center route. Approximately 8,000 people, including Spain's King and Queen, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Generalitat, are expected to attend the ceremony at the Sagrada Familia.