Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Barcelona

 

1. Warm-Up Discussion

Discuss with a partner.

  1. Have you ever visited the Sagrada Família?
  2. Why do people visit religious sites?
  3. What problems can large public events create?
  4. Do you think the Pope's visit will be good for Barcelona? Why or why not?

2. Reading

Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Barcelona

In June 2026, Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Barcelona. He will lead an important religious ceremony at the Sagrada Família. Many people around the world are interested in this visit because the basilica is an important symbol of Catalan culture and the Catholic Church.

The city has been preparing for the visit for many months. Local authorities, church leaders, police, and transport services are working together to organize the event. Thousands of visitors, pilgrims, journalists, and important guests are expected to arrive in Barcelona.

The Catholic Church believes this visit is a good opportunity to connect with younger people and highlight the importance of the Sagrada Família. Church leaders hope the event will encourage people to think about faith and religion.

The main event will be a special Mass at the Sagrada Família on 10 June. The date is important because it marks 100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudí, the architect who designed the basilica. At the end of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV will officially open the new Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower is more than 170 metres high and will become the tallest part of the basilica.

During his stay, the Pope will live at the Episcopal Palace, near Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter.

The Pope's schedule includes several events. He will arrive on 9 June and take part in a prayer service at Barcelona Cathedral. Later, he will attend a large evening event at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium. On 10 June, he will visit Brians 1 Prison, pray at Montserrat Monastery, meet social organizations in the Raval district, and celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Família. He will leave Barcelona on 11 June.

Many people believe the visit will help the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist businesses are expected to earn more money. The event may also attract more visitors to Barcelona in the future.

However, not everyone supports the visit. Some people believe too much public money is being spent on a religious event. Others are worried about traffic problems, security measures, and the effects of mass tourism.

There are also political concerns. Some groups think the Vatican should stay out of political debates. Others believe religious leaders should speak about issues such as poverty, migration, and inequality.

Environmental groups are worried about the impact of the event on the environment. Thousands of visitors will travel by plane, which will increase carbon emissions. Some activists want stronger environmental measures.

The visit has also created business opportunities. Some residents who live near the route of the Pope's procession are renting out balconies with good views. According to local reports, some balcony spaces are being advertised for €500, while premium balconies cost up to €800. Tourist apartments with direct views of the route may cost around €1,000 per night.

Pope Leo XIV's visit is more than a religious event. It brings together religion, culture, politics, tourism, business, and environmental issues. The visit is expected to create a lot of discussion both in Barcelona and around the world.

3. Reading Comprehension

True or False?

  1. The Pope will visit Barcelona in June 2026. _____
  2. The Sagrada Família was designed by Pablo Picasso. _____
  3. The Pope will stay at the Episcopal Palace. _____
  4. Everyone in Barcelona supports the visit. _____
  5. Environmental groups are worried about carbon emissions. _____

Answer the Questions

  1. Why is the Sagrada Família important?
  2. What special event will happen on 10 June?
  3. How could the visit help local businesses?
  4. Why are some residents worried about the visit?
  5. What environmental concerns have been raised?

4. Vocabulary Match

Part A

Match the words with the correct definitions.

WordsDefinitions
1. anticipateda. Not connected to religion
2. logisticalb. The sharing of resources
3. dignitariesc. A journey to a sacred place
4. heritaged. Expected and awaited
5. seculare. Traditions, culture, and history from the past
6. sustainabilityf. Important and respected people
7. allocationg. Careful planning and organization
8. pilgrimageh. Protecting the environment for the future

Part B

Match the words with the correct definitions.

WordsDefinitions
1. controversya. Public image or reputation
2. emissionsb. Travel for pleasure or interest
3. disruptionc. Public disagreement
4. profiled. Gases released into the atmosphere
5. reflectione. Serious thought
6. inequalityf. Interruption of normal activities
7. tourismg. Lack of equality
8. footprinth. Impact on the environment

5. Synonym Match

Match the word with a synonym.

WordSynonym
1. anticipateda. interruption
2. controversyb. expected
3. reflectionc. disagreement
4. disruptiond. reputation
5. profilee. contemplation
6. dignitariesf. distribution
7. secularg. non-religious
8. pilgrimageh. religious journey
9. sustainabilityi. environmental protection
10. allocationj. important guests

6. Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank

profile • sustainability • controversy • secular • anticipated • allocation • heritage • disruption • logistical

  1. The visit is highly __________________ by Catholics around the world.
  2. Authorities face major __________________ challenges.
  3. The Sagrada Família is part of Barcelona's cultural __________________.
  4. Critics argue that Spain is a __________________ society.
  5. Environmental groups are demanding greater __________________.
  6. The __________________ of public resources remains controversial.
  7. The visit has generated significant __________________.
  8. Transport __________________ may affect residents.
  9. The event could improve Barcelona's international __________________.

7. A Logistical Nightmare

Barcelona is preparing for one of the largest public events in its recent history. Pope Leo XIV's visit is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

You are part of the city's emergency planning committee.

Situation 1: The Crowds

More than 300,000 people want to attend the Mass at the Sagrada Família, but there is not enough space.

Discuss

  • How would you control the crowds?
  • Should tickets be required?
  • Should giant screens be installed around the city?
  • How would you prevent overcrowding?

Situation 2: Transport Problems

Problems

  • Metro stations are overcrowded.
  • Taxis are fully booked.
  • Roads are closed for security reasons.

Discuss

  • What temporary transport solutions would you introduce?
  • Should some streets become pedestrian-only?
  • How can visitors be encouraged to use public transport?

Situation 3: Security

Problems

  • Large crowds
  • Possible protests
  • Cybersecurity threats
  • International media attention

Discuss

  • How much security is too much?
  • Should drones be used?
  • Should bags be searched?
  • How would you balance safety and freedom?

8. Business Challenge

The Pope's visit will bring thousands of visitors to Barcelona.

Which business idea would be the best?

Option A: Rent Out a Balcony

Visitors pay to watch the Pope from your balcony.

Option B: Rent Out a Spare Room

Tourists and journalists need accommodation.

Option C: Sell Pope-Themed Snacks

Holy Churros, Blessed Bocadillos, and Papal Patatas Bravas.

Option D: Become a Tour Guide

Offer walking tours about Barcelona and the Sagrada Família.

Option E: Sell Souvenirs

Postcards, T-shirts, flags, and keychains.

Discuss

  1. Which idea would make the most money?
  2. Which idea would be the cheapest to start?
  3. Which idea is the funniest?
  4. Which idea is the most ethical?
  5. Which idea would you choose?

9. Debate

Group A: FOR the Visit

You believe the visit will help Barcelona.

Arguments

  • Economic benefits
  • Tourism revenue
  • International publicity
  • Religious freedom
  • Cultural heritage
  • Community pride

Group B: AGAINST the Visit

You believe the disadvantages are greater.

Arguments

  • Public spending
  • Traffic disruption
  • Tourism pressure
  • Security costs
  • Carbon emissions
  • Housing problems

10. Final Speaking Task

Barcelona City Council Meeting

You must decide one option:

A. Fully support the visit

B. Support the visit with restrictions

C. Reduce public involvement

D. Limit future large-scale religious events

E. Oppose public funding

Work in groups. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Then vote for the best option and explain your decision to the class.

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