Follow Pope Leo to Spain: Why Catholic Groups Should Make This Journey Now
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain may be over, but for Catholic groups, the moment is still very much alive.
During his June 2026 apostolic journey, the Holy Father traveled through Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, where he celebrated public Masses, led Marian prayer, met with young people, and took part in encounters focused on charity and the Church’s mission [1].
His visit highlighted what many pilgrims already know: Spain is one of the most rewarding destinations for Catholic travel. Its Catholic identity is visible in its cathedrals, shrines, and public expressions of faith. And that faith is not only historical, as it remains active and deeply present in daily life.
For groups inspired by the visit but unable to travel at the time, this is an opportunity to visit the same destinations at a pace better suited to prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
Why Spain Is the Right Choice for Catholic Groups
Spain is especially well suited to parish groups, schools, diocesan travelers, and Catholic organizations because it combines sacred history, cultural beauty, and living faith. During his time in Spain, Pope Leo visited Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat, and the Canary Islands, and each stop reflected a different aspect of the Church’s life.
Madrid
Madrid offers important Catholic landmarks along with the memory of the Pope’s public celebrations. At Almudena Cathedral, Pope Leo paused in prayer before Our Lady of Almudena and bestowed upon her the Golden Rose, a rare papal honor that highlights the shrine’s spiritual importance. His time in Madrid also centered on public worship and showed the city’s continuing role in Spain’s Catholic life.
Barcelona
Barcelona adds another dimension. The Sagrada Família is one of the world’s most remarkable basilicas, and during his visit Pope Leo inaugurated the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ, its main spire. That milestone brought fresh attention to one of Spain’s best-known Catholic sites and makes Barcelona an even more compelling pilgrimage destination.
Montserrat
Nearby Montserrat offers a quieter, more contemplative experience rooted in Marian devotion. Known for its shrine to the Blessed Virgin and dramatic mountain setting, it gives Catholic groups space for prayer and reflection and adds a retreat-like element to a pilgrimage through Spain.
The Canary Islands
In Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Pope Leo drew attention to the Church’s care for migrants and communities on the margins [1][2]. Those visits emphasized mercy, solidarity, and mission, reminding pilgrims that Catholic travel is not only about sacred places, but also about the Church’s service in the world today.
Taken together, these destinations show why Spain offers more than a beautiful itinerary. It gives Catholic groups the chance to encounter the Church in prayer, devotion, and mission.
If Not Spain, Consider Another Upcoming Papal Destination
If your group is considering Catholic travel more broadly, Spain is only one strong option among many destinations.
Vatican News has reported that Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit France from September 25–28, 2026 [3]. That could make France another meaningful choice for groups hoping to travel in connection with the Holy Father’s wider itinerary.
More broadly, destinations such as Rome, the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, and other major pilgrimage sites may also be worth considering depending on your group’s goals and interests.
Let Us Help You Plan
If you are thinking about visiting Spain, or another destination Pope Leo is expected to visit soon, we would be glad to help.
Contact us for a quote on group tours (15+ participants), group flights (10+ passengers), or individual flights (1–9 passengers). We can help you explore the best options for a faith-filled journey built around your group’s needs.
Contact mail@fellowship.com or request a quote online.
Sources
- Holy See, Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Spain (6–12 June 2026): http://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/travels/2026/documents/spagna-6-12giugno2026.html
- Chicago Catholic / Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV to make apostolic journeys to Africa, Spain and Monaco: https://www.chicagocatholic.com/vatican/-/article/2026/03/04/pope-leo-xiv-to-make-apostolic-journeys-to-africa-spain-and-monaco
- Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV to visit France in September this year: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-visit-france-september-apostolic-journey-holy-see-press.html