Catalan president Salvador Illa and his cabinet held a government meeting at the Món Sant Benet monastery in Sant Fruitós de Bages this weekend. The gathering, which started on Saturday, aimed to "boost" government action and "accelerate the transformation" of the country's public services, according to officials.
The meeting comes as the government approaches the halfway point of its term. It follows a turbulent start to the year, marked by medical leaves for Illa and ministers Esther Niubó (Education) and Olga Pané (Health). Politically, the early months of the year saw a crisis in the Rodalies rail network, strikes in the education sector, and an unprecedented withdrawal of the budget to seek a new agreement with ERC before summer.
Món Sant Benet is a former Benedictine abbey dating back to the 10th century, considered one of the best-preserved medieval monastic complexes. Abandoned in 1907, the family of modernist painter Ramon Casas acquired it to convert it into a summer residence. Ministers arrived on Saturday for working sessions, and the president is scheduled to make an institutional statement on Sunday morning.
Illa's Religious Connections
This meeting is part of a pattern of cabinet gatherings at religiously significant sites in Catalonia. Previous meetings include one at Poblet monastery in summer 2024 to outline the government's plan, and another at the Vall de Núria sanctuary in April 2025. The only non-religious location used for such a meeting was Arnes, where the new academic year was planned.
Government sources said the choice of Món Sant Benet reflects a commitment to holding executive activities outside the Palau de la Generalitat, in various parts of Catalonia. However, the selection of Món Sant Benet also highlights "humanist values and a culture of work" that helped preserve the monastery, which Illa often champions. Humanism has become more prominent in Illa's discourse, especially with the ongoing immigration regularisation initiative by the Spanish government. The site, like Poblet or Vall de Núria, also holds symbolic value as a heritage landmark.
Illa has openly spoken about his daily prayers and his efforts to act in line with his Catholic beliefs. This faith has been visible in the government's daily activities. Earlier this week, the president and many ministers attended the Sant Jordi mass at the Palau de la Generalitat, alongside Cardinal Joan Josep Omella and Prior Josep Maria Turull, a cousin of Jordi Turull.
Strengthening Ties with the Church
Beyond these cabinet meetings, there has been a shift in the relationship between the Catalan government and the Church. Following the 'procés' years, which saw less dialogue with the independence movement, Salvador Illa's arrival was reportedly met with relief at the Episcopal Palace. President Illa and Cardinal Omella have known each other for some time, a relationship strengthened during the pandemic when Illa was Minister of Health. This connection to religion also brings Illa closer to other political figures, such as Josep Rull, who also attended the Sant Jordi mass, and Oriol Junqueras. Junqueras, a practising Catholic, is reportedly disappointed with Omella but maintains contact with Montserrat and bishops more sensitive to national issues, such as Archbishop Joan Planellas of Tarragona.
This relationship with the Church, which has not been without tensions, extends to Rome. In October, Illa met with Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first state authority to do so. He then dined with a large group of Catalans in Rome, including Benedictines and members of other orders, to discuss the new pontificate. Illa was accompanied by Justice Minister Ramon Espadaler, whose department oversees religious affairs. The government aims to maintain communication channels with the Holy See. There is also full agreement on rejecting Donald Trump's policies, which Leo XIV has also voiced, leading to an unpredictable conflict between the Trump administration and the ecclesiastical institution.
Papal Visit to Barcelona
This year, the Pope is scheduled to visit Barcelona for Gaudí Year and to bless the Sagrada Família, following the completion of the Jesus Tower that crowns the temple. "The Pope's voice is very powerful and he maintains a stance that is not revolutionary, but expected, yet it resonates due to the unexpected decisions of many people," Illa said in an interview with Onda Cero this week. The president, who gathers his ministers in monasteries, will have the opportunity to host the Pontiff in the Catalan capital. This event is politically significant and will hold special importance for Illa personally.
