More than 200 singers, expelled from Barcelona's Sagrada Família during a mass led by Pope Leo XIV, are demanding apologies and explanations from the basilica, the Archbishopric of Barcelona, the Catalan government, and the Spanish government delegation. This information was first reported by RAC1 and confirmed by ACN.
In a letter sent on 15 June 2026, the signatories also called for the identification of the organisational and operational responsibilities behind the decision. They described it as "especially painful" that a "collective measure" affecting "hundreds of singers indiscriminately" was taken for actions attributed to a small number of individuals.
The singers stated they participated in the celebration with "a spirit of service, institutional respect, and enthusiasm" to be part of an exceptional event. They labelled the response as "disproportionate and lacking the necessary consideration for those affected." The letter added that "the lack of information, the confusion generated, and the treatment received caused great indignation and deep sadness among participants."
Calls for Clarity and Formal Apology
To address these concerns, the singers are requesting clarification on which authority, body, or individual made the decision to expel them. They also seek an explanation for the criteria that justified the collective action, especially since there was "plenty of time to act in a specific and dialogue-based manner." Furthermore, they want information on the protocols and proportionality of the measures adopted, and for responsibilities to be assumed if the actions are deemed inappropriate. A formal apology to all affected singers is also a key demand.
Pere Lluís Biosca, the director of the choirs that performed at the mass, wrote a letter to the singers, thanking them for their "effort, dedication, and generosity." He added, "You can be proud of the work done and the image you projected." Biosca also expressed his "deep discomfort with the treatment received at the end of the event, a situation I consider unfortunate and not corresponding to the effort or dignity of your participation."
Expulsion Before Final Performance
Over 500 singers were removed from the Sagrada Família just before the blessing of the Jesus tower. The security operation inside the basilica, managed by the Spanish police, detected that some members had 'estelades' (Catalan independence flags) printed inside their sheet music and intended to sing "Els Segadors," the Catalan national anthem, at the end of the event. This song was not part of the official programme. Consequently, the police removed them from the basilica, preventing their participation in the final spectacle.
The incident occurred around 9pm. As the choirs finished performing "El Virolai," Spanish police escorted some singers out of the restricted area amidst their complaints. Sources from the Sagrada Família indicated that the performance of "Els Segadors" was not included in the approved official programme and was therefore not planned for the event.
"As in any institutional and liturgical celebration, the event unfolds according to a pre-established programme that all participants must follow," the same sources confirmed. They also reminded that the basilica is a Catholic temple and "flags are not brought in during religious celebrations." The formal request from the singers can be read online.
