Pope Leo XIV visited Barcelona on Tuesday, addressing Spain’s youth in a rally that highlighted issues like depression and domestic violence. Speaking to an audience of about 40,000 at the Olympic stadium, the pope encouraged young people to maintain their faith in challenging times.
The event was marked by a lively atmosphere. The pope received a warm welcome while driving around the grounds in his popemobile, pausing to bless children and interact with attendees. The gathering also featured elements of Catalan culture, including a performance by the famous human tower builders, known as castellers, which particularly impressed Pope Leo.
During a prayer vigil, the pope engaged in a dialogue with young adults, where topics like depression and domestic violence were candidly discussed. One young woman shared her struggle with depression and a past suicide attempt, while another spoke of domestic violence in her family. The pope praised their openness, linking societal pressures to youth struggles with mental health, and compared these struggles to Christ’s suffering.
“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,”
Pope Leo voiced concern about dysfunctional family environments, particularly those marked by domestic violence, stressing their impact on young people. He called for improved mental health services and stronger measures against domestic violence. The pope emphasized the society’s collective responsibility to tackle these issues.
Despite a trend toward secularism in Spain since the 20th century, reports suggest a renewed spiritual interest among young adults. Attendees like Patricia Garzón, 25, noted the challenges posed by social media and expressed her reliance on faith for daily guidance.
The pope’s tour in Spain will peak on Wednesday with his participation in the inauguration of the central Tower of Jesus Christ at the iconic Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona. This visit continues to emphasize hope and spiritual renewal for Spain’s youth.