We are aware of the complexity of analyzing a relevant social fact without considering the dual perspective it encompasses:
-The apostolic visit of Leon XIV to Spain has been a resounding success from the religious, sociological and political points of view, although we appreciate contradictory nuances in its development.
-the situation of the Catholic Church as an institution, that of the Church in Spain and Church/State relations are highly questionable and worthy of serious rejection.
But in order to gauge the importance of the papal visit, it seems convenient to separate both realities so as not to interfere with basic aspects of the Pope’s presence in our country. A visit with international projection, which requires an understanding of the centrality of the message, avoiding dispersion in the most everyday matters, although it also addressed issues with clarity.
1st. The Pope’s presence was desired by the government, by the political class, by social organizations and, above all, by the Catholic population and believers in general, as well as to a large extent by the common people, since they appreciate in his person a spiritual and social leadership that can influence the improvement of the most just causes in our society.
2nd. His condition as Head of the Vatican State is true that it has increased the apparatus and formalities of the visit, but it has not been crucial in diminishing his closeness to people, his explicit message to individuals and his discourse coherent with the most pressing social needs.
This does not imply that we do not continue to desire a change of role, so that the Pope is only Shepherd and visits people without improper political supports. Furthermore, the consideration of Head of State logically increases the organizational expenditure of the visit due to security and protocol matters.
Large-scale and well-organized events require significant spending, but the figures that have been cited represent a challenge for the Church itself and for a Pope who proclaims the Church of the Poor.
3rd. His speech to Congress was a wake-up call to the conscience of political representatives: his radical commitment to harmony, reducing the acrimony of disagreements, his defense of world peace, denouncing rearmament as a method of resolving conflicts, his energetic option for immigrants, rejecting all dehumanization in procedures, had an invaluable worth for influencing public policies.
Even his allusions to the most contentious issues with the position of the Catholic hierarchy, he addressed them with such a measured and elegant style that no one could feel offended, although obviously the legislation democratically adopted by the General Courts objectively prevails over the position of an independent actor such as the Church.
The fact that all groups applauded the Pope without reservation means their gratitude for such a serene and well-constructed discourse, although afterwards each one seeks their closest reflections to make the message their own. The same can be said of the different sectors within the Church with different positions on important matters.
4th. We do not deny the multitudinous Eucharist at Cibeles, nor the subsequent Corpus Christi procession, but with all due respect we believe that when celebrations border on the folkloric they lose part of their essence, although we understand the need for symbolic elements. The same occurred with other events, such as the Vigil at Lima Square or the final event at the Bernabéu. While we recognize the good atmosphere and the fervor of the people, which we can never despise, we do demand once again a renewal of the liturgy aimed at simplicity rather than pomp, and an updating of the rites so that they are closer to our everyday life. Special mention was the innovative encounter at the Movistar Arena in Madrid with the fields of culture, sports, education, work and business. The motto was “Weaving Networks” and in our view it was a success both for the people chosen to speak and for the speeches themselves, songs, dances, etc. The message was clear: we must work together, side by side, if we want to solve the problems of Humanity.
5th. We feel deeply identified with his visits to the most vulnerable groups: the one made to the Caritas location in Carabanchel, the one to Barcelona Prison and that of the Port of Arguineguín and the reception center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There Leon XIV merged with the most destitute.
6th. He was especially respectful of the national reality of Catalonia, not only frequently using its language, but visiting absolutely unique spaces such as the basilica of Montserrat or the Sagrada Familia, where he inaugurated the tower of Jesus, which culminates Gaudí’s great work, just in the centenary of his death. All this entails an expression of recognition of catalanist sentiment in the deepest part of its existence.
7th. From this positive vision without reservations, we also want to point out important gaps that the Pope has left out of the picture:
-His interventions on pedophilia and sexual abuse within the Church had very little prominence, except for the one made before the media, calling it a “plague” and before the Episcopal Conference, which was indeed timely and firm. But the relationship with victims was very partial and selective, marked by the Spanish episcopate, which the Pope should not have seconded on such a sensitive matter. We trust that there will be coherent rectification and all victims will be treated equitably.
-The allusions to the fundamental role of women in the Church found no place in his numerous speeches and this is indeed an indelible blemish. If so much is advocated for unity in the Church, it is absurd not to understand that the first link in that unity is equality among all its members, with women also being the great vital force of ecclesial activity.
-Nor were there references to such a lamentable case as that of ecclesiastical transfers of property, an incalculable legal and economic abuse that the Church must remedy as soon as possible, or it will be the State that will ultimately have to put order to this scandal.
-Likewise, the reference to LGBTQ+ people did not count on the necessary support and this leaves sincere believers who need welcome in the ecclesial community with understanding and equality of rights in the margins.
Consequently, we are glad about the success of the papal visit, but we express our concern, both for the omissions and dysfunctions of the trip, as well as for the need that the profound renewal of the Church not be shelved any longer and the synodal spirit help us to make a Copernican turn in the institution, so that its fidelity to the Gospel is increased, and Humanity perceive in it the true face of the risen Jesus, source of all our hopes.
Redes Cristianas, June 19, 2026