Pope Leo XIV urged Spain’s young population to maintain their faith during a rally in Barcelona. The event tackled issues like depression, domestic violence, and ‘toxic’ family relationships.
The U.S.-born pope was warmly welcomed by a crowd of 40,000 at the Olympic stadium. He arrived aboard the popemobile, delighting attendees with blessings and his signature “6-7” hand gesture.
Catalan culture was celebrated at the rally, featuring the region’s castellers, or human tower acrobats. The construction of the eight-level tower was greeted with applause from the pope as a young child reached the peak and descended swiftly.
During a prayer vigil, Pope Leo engaged in a Q&A session with young adults, confronting the pain of depression and domestic violence. One woman shared her experience of depression and a suicide attempt, while another discussed her struggle to forgive her father’s violent actions toward her mother.
Pope Leo recognized their bravery in discussing these challenges and linked society’s demand for perfection to the struggles faced by young people today. He compared depression to Christ’s suffering during crucifixion, portraying Jesus as a compassionate presence in times of darkness.
“In those dark hours, as he was dying on the cross, Jesus shared our pain and revealed to us the face of a compassionate God, who bears our sorrows, who suffers with us, weeps our tears and remains at our side with his presence full of love and mercy,” Leo said.
He highlighted the impact of abusive family dynamics on youth, specifically domestic violence and femicide, urging society to address these concerns.
Pope Leo called for improved mental health services and responses to domestic violence, drawing applause from the audience.
“We are all called to address this dramatic reality, both personally and as a society, because we are responsible for confronting it in all its dimensions,” he shared.
Pope Leo’s message resonates as Spain undergoes a shift from its Catholic roots after a historical dictatorship gave way to democracy. Reports suggest a growing interest among young Spaniards in exploring their spiritual lives.
Attendee Patricia Garzón, 25, expressed how her faith supports her daily life amidst societal pressures amplified by social media comparisons. She believes youth today seek divine guidance to embrace self-acceptance.
Pope Leo’s visit to Spain will reach a pinnacle when he inaugurates the central Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica.
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