In Camarles, in Catalonia’s Baix Ebre, a 13-year-old olive bonsai grown at Mistral Bonsai was presented to Pope Leo XIV by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on 8 June 2026.
According to a statement from La Moncloa, the gift features “a species that has been rooted for centuries in the history, culture, and economy of Spain”. The statement also said it represents “the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, between respect for historical roots and the adoption of technological advancement”.
The olive tree has long held cultural and economic importance across Spain, including Catalonia. Its presence in the Mediterranean dates back millennia, and it is widely associated with longevity, peace and prosperity.
The choice of a bonsai from Camarles also points to the agricultural and horticultural work carried out in Terres de l’Ebre. Mistral Bonsai is based in the area and is known for cultivating and shaping bonsai trees.
The exchange took place during a Vatican visit and formed part of the wider diplomatic protocol around the meeting. For more Catalonia coverage, see our news page.