Montserrat, in central Catalonia, was the focus of Pope Leo XIV’s visit on 10 June 2026, when he thanked the region for welcoming people from other countries and helping them integrate into one family.
The Pope spoke from a monastery balcony after venerating the Moreneta, the Black Madonna, inside the Basilica of Santa Maria. He told the crowd that faith gives life and hope, and thanked those gathered in Plaça de Santa Maria for their welcome and devotion.
He also praised the “joy, enthusiasm, and deep sense of faith” he said he had seen during the visit. The assembled crowd responded with applause and emotional shouts as he addressed thousands of faithful from the balcony overlooking the square.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV thanked the monks for their hospitality towards pilgrims. He said, “Thanks to Catalonia for having received so many people from other countries because it teaches how to integrate everyone within a single family.”
The visit drew more than 8,000 devotees to Montserrat. For more Catalonia coverage, see our news tag.