Madrid to Tighten Security and Impose Strict Measures During Leon XIV's Visit. Madrid authorities are preparing the largest police contingent in years for the visit of Leon XIV. Strict inspections will be implemented, access to buildings will be restricted, and security controls will be stepped up at key locations.
The authorities of Spain have announced unprecedented security measures in Madrid during the visit of Leon XIV, which will take place from June 6 to 9. According to ABC, up to 9,000 National Police officers will be deployed in the capital alone, and the total number of law enforcement personnel could reach 13,300. The main goal is to ensure the safety of the Pope and participants at events held at the city's key venues.
The focus will be on enhanced access control to buildings along the pontiff's routes. Entry to residential and commercial premises will be allowed only for those who live or work there. To this end, the police are compiling lists of all residents and staff in advance, verifying their data, and establishing critical checkpoints. In certain cases, exceptions are possible, for example, for those who need to visit a doctor or resolve urgent matters.
Special attention will be given to locations such as Plaza de Lima, where the Youth Vigil will take place, and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, which will host meetings with the diocesan communities of Madrid, Getafe, and Alcalá de Henares. Snipers and countersnipers will be stationed on rooftops and in strategic spots, and cavalry units, canine teams, specialists in underground communications, as well as GOES and GEO groups, will also be involved. Sources estimate the density of patrols will be at its maximum—with, in some areas, “a police officer every five meters.”
The preparations involve 34–37 UIP units (the equivalent of OMON), totaling up to 1,850 officers in Madrid alone. They will be joined by Civil Guard units, though, according to unofficial reports, their numbers will be more modest. The entire operation is being organized following the experience of previous pontifical visits; however, the current scale significantly exceeds that of 2011, when the World Youth Day with Benedict XVI was held in the capital.
Information and intelligence services have been analyzing buildings for several weeks to identify possible access points to mass event locations. Authorities emphasize that they are operating under a heightened terrorist threat level (level 4), and against the backdrop of a complicated international situation. The city will also face added strain from major Bad Bunny concerts, which will coincide with the Pope's visit.
The introduction of temporary restrictions and tightened control will affect not only the police, but also city transportation. As previously reported, the Madrid Metro will also adjust its schedule and close several stations for the duration of the visit, to minimize risks and maintain order.
For reference: Leon XIV's visit will cover not only Madrid, but also Barcelona and the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Such security measures are extremely rare in Spain and are implemented only during visits by world leaders or major international events. In recent years, the level of terrorist threat in the country has remained consistently high, requiring authorities to continually revise security protocols.
