Barcelona's Born neighbourhood saw around 100 people gather on Tuesday afternoon to protest against Pope Leo XIV's visit to the city. The demonstration, organised by several secular groups, focused on the use of public funds to finance the pontiff's trip.
Protesters also questioned the decision to receive the Pope at the Congress of Deputies and to provide the Olympic Stadium free of charge for his events. During the protest, they chanted slogans including, “Not with our money”.
Speakers said the Pope could come to the city “as long as our money is not used for it”. The gathering formed part of the “I don't expect you” campaign, which refers to the anticipation around the Pope's arrival.
Housing organisations and student unions joined the protest. They also criticised Pope Leo XIV's speech against abortion at the Congress of Deputies.
The pontiff's visit across Spain is estimated to cost around €25 million. In Catalonia, government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque confirmed that the Catalan government's contribution to Pope Leo XIV's visit is €2.36 million.
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