Barcelona is set to gain a stronger profile as a religious tourism destination when Pope Leo XIV visits the city this June, according to local reports. The trip is expected to draw large crowds and place Catalonia’s main spiritual landmarks, including the Sagrada Família and Montserrat, in the international spotlight.
The visit comes after Benedict XVI’s trip in 2010, when he consecrated the Sagrada Família Basilica. That event brought the temple global media attention, and official data from the Constructing Board said the basilica attracted more than 4.7 million visitors a year before the pandemic.
This year’s papal visit also coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and the inauguration of the Sagrada Família’s Jesus Christ Tower, the temple’s tallest element. Religious and tourism organisations say the timing could attract visitors interested in both the architecture and the spiritual meaning of Gaudí’s work.
Montserrat monastery to benefit
Montserrat is also expected to receive more attention. Pope Leo XIV will take part in events marking the abbey’s millennium, a celebration already drawing pilgrims and visitors from several countries. The monastery usually welcomes more than two million visitors a year, making it one of the Iberian Peninsula’s main pilgrimage centres.
Barcelona’s appeal lies in the combination of major religious heritage and a strong visitor network. Within a short distance, visitors can reach the Sagrada Família, the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, the Pedralbes Monastery and Montserrat, with the city’s hotel, airport and transport links supporting large-scale travel.
Papal events are often broadcast to audiences of tens of millions across several continents, and the effect can last beyond the visit itself. In 2010, the city estimated Benedict XVI’s visit generated an economic impact close to €30 million and drew hundreds of thousands of attendees to different events. For readers following local coverage, see our news page for more Catalonia updates.