The Archdiocese of Madrid issued an official statement yesterday, Monday, January 19, expressing its concern about the proliferation of unconfirmed reports regarding a possible visit by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Spain. While acknowledging and sharing the enthusiasm and hope this possibility has generated among the faithful, the diocese emphasizes that much of the information circulating on social media, WhatsApp, and in some news outlets  is inaccurate  and is interfering with the discreet and serious work required to organize a papal visit.

According to the statement, the process is still in its  very early stages. A diocesan working group will be formed in the coming days to develop its own pastoral and logistical proposals. However, the dates, itinerary, events, and any other final details depend exclusively on the Holy See, which may modify them according to pastoral, diplomatic, or scheduling needs.

The statement highlights that the dissemination of alleged detailed programs—such as specific dates (for example, from June 6 to 12), visits to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, a vigil or mass at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, large processions along the Castellana, or specific events in other locations—has caused  unnecessary confusion  and hinders the necessary dialogue between the dioceses involved, the Spanish Episcopal Conference, and the Vatican.

Although Cardinal José Cobo Cano, Archbishop of Madrid, publicly confirmed weeks ago Pope Leo XIV’s intention to visit Spain (with Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and the Canary Islands as likely destinations and June as the approximate month), the Archdiocese points out that  no details have been officially approved or announced by the Holy See. The Vatican will make the final program public at the appropriate time.

The text concludes by urging people to avoid introducing “issues unrelated to the organizational process” that could hinder its proper development, and encourages them to maintain hope with prudence and respect for the pace set by Rome.

The full note, dated January 19, 2026, is available on the  official website.

This statement comes amidst intense viral spread of purported itineraries, which some media outlets had reported as advance information, but which are now classified as unverified by the archdiocese itself. Preparations for the possible visit continue discreetly and in coordination with the Vatican.