Visit of Leon XIV to Spain Recognized as an Event of Special Importance. The government has officially granted Leon XIV's visit the status of an event of special interest. This decision enables tax benefits for sponsors and initiates unprecedented security measures. For the first time, the Pope will address Congress.
The Spanish government has declared the visit of Leon XIV an event of special public interest. The corresponding decision will be approved at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers. This status allows organizers and sponsors of the trip to benefit from tax incentives, making support for the event more attractive to businesses. The visit will begin on June 6 in Madrid, continue in Barcelona, and conclude on June 12 in the Canary Islands.
The authorities emphasize that the arrival of Leon XIV has aroused unprecedented interest among both church circles and the political community. Special attention is drawn to the fact that, for the first time in history, the pontiff will deliver a speech in the Congress of Deputies. The last time a pope visited Spain was in 2011, when Benedict XVI came to the country. The predecessor of the current head of the Catholic Church had postponed his visit several times.
The Ministry of the Presidency, headed by Félix Bolaños, has prepared a detailed report on preparations for the visit. The document notes that more than 80 meetings have been held to coordinate the events, involving representatives of the Episcopal Conference, key ministries, as well as regional and municipal authorities. Preparations included discussions on security, transport, and communications.
During the visit, a special security plan will be implemented in Spain. The operation will involve 12,500 members of the National Police and more than 2,200 officers of the Civil Guard. They will be joined by Mossos d’Esquadra and local police forces. In addition, Renfe will provide an extra two million seats on Cercanías trains in Madrid, as well as increase the number of services on the Media Distancia and Avant lines. Discounts will be available for certain categories of passengers.
The context of Leon XIV's visit is linked to a series of recent agreements between the Spanish government and the Catholic Church. Among them are the relocation of Francisco Franco’s remains from the Valley of Cuelgamuros, a review of church property rights, the removal of certain tax benefits, and the launch of a state program to support victims of clerical abuse. These steps represent a significant shift in relations between the state and the church.
Madrid authorities and transport services have already begun preparations for major restrictions and timetable changes during the visit. As RUSSPAIN notes, the Madrid metro will strengthen security checks and adjust schedules at key stations to ensure safety and uninterrupted transport service.
For reference: in Spain, the status of “event of special interest” is usually granted to major cultural, sporting, or public events, which allows for the attraction of additional resources and support. In 2026, the visit of Leon XIV will be one of the largest religious events in the country in the past decade. According to estimates, such measures can not only improve the level of organization but also reduce the financial burden on the state budget through private investment.
