Source: Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Barcelona on the fourth day of his Apostolic Journey after concluding his visit to Madrid, where he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers whose dedication contributed to the success of the papal visit.
Addressing the volunteers, the Holy Father praised their generosity, saying, “Each of you gave what you could, offering your heart, hands, ideas, talents, and smiles. May God reward you as only He knows how!” He further noted that “selflessness is like leaven that helps the human, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of a society to grow, and it is a distinctive element of the ‘City of God.’”
Upon arriving in Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia for a prayer service. Crowds lined the streets to welcome him as he began his pastoral engagements in the city.
In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on the biblical images of the Bride and the Body, drawing parallels with the Catholic community in Barcelona. He highlighted the richness of the local Church, noting its diversity of charisms, experiences, and personal stories, which together form a beautiful image of the Bride of Christ.
The Pope explained that within the Body of Christ, some members appear stronger while others may seem weaker; some ministries are more visible, while others remain hidden. Nevertheless, all are united in Christ. He emphasized, “We are strong because we are united, and we are united because we are animated by the same Spirit.”
Later, at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, Pope Leo XIV met with young people and engaged them on issues affecting their lives, including conversion, mental health, violence, suffering, and hope. Several young people shared personal testimonies and questions with the Holy Father.
Responding to Ferran, the Pope observed that human beings are created for something greater, saying, “We are made for the infinite, and that is why every finite horizon, every step, and every achievement, while satisfying us, also propels us forward and invites us to keep searching.”
Addressing Carmina, who spoke about her struggle with depression, Pope Leo acknowledged the pressures many young people face in modern society. He remarked that such struggles often reveal “something deeply wrong with a certain notion of progress that subjects people to pressures, expectations, and tensions that compromise healthy balances.”
To Cecilia, who shared her experiences of domestic violence, addiction, and separation from her family, the Holy Father offered words of encouragement, urging her to embrace forgiveness as an essential part of healing and the journey toward restoration.
During the evening celebration at the stadium, Pope Leo XIV challenged the youth to reflect seriously on the realities of the modern world and to consider the kind of future they wish to build for coming generations.
He expressed his hope that Spain would continue to be “a welcoming space for all, where each person’s dignity is respected, and everyone is loved for who they are.”
The Pope’s message resonated strongly with the thousands of young people gathered, inspiring them to become agents of hope, reconciliation, and positive change in society.
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra
