The anticipation is palpable, and the clock is ticking .  In a vibrant interview on   Radio Estel’s  program “Les claus del dia ,” Albert Cortina  analyzed in detail Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Spain during his time in Madrid. Far removed from the rigidity of earlier times, Cortina paints a picture of a Pontiff who doesn’t come to preach or scold  ; rather, with the rigor of his mathematical training and the subtle diplomacy of one who prefers to build bridges, he has ensured that his recent encyclical,  Magnifica Humanitas , has become a moral beacon for a world thirsting for universal ethical values ​​in the face of an uncertain future . 

The unanimous applause of a polarized Congress

One of the most unusual moments of his visit occurred in the Spanish Parliament .  In a deeply political and tense setting, Leo XIV achieved what seemed impossible: seven minutes of unanimous applause from across the entire parliamentary spectrum . The secret?  A brilliantly structured speech that did not shy away from the “non-negotiable principles” defended by the Catholic Church in light of the Gospel.

The Pope spoke universal truths and proposed actions for everyone .  With elegance but with overwhelming courage, he defended life from conception to natural death, reaffirmed the family as a pillar of society, and defended the right of parents to choose their children’s education .  At the same time, he spoke out strongly against human trafficking mafias and firmly criticized the international double standards of a European Union that speaks of peace while exponentially increasing its military budget .

“The Pope invites us to disarm words and discourse. If politicians do not speak from diplomacy and international law, all that remains is the voice of weapons increasingly automated by artificial intelligence . “

Order at home: a firm stance against the bishops

Leo XIV has shown a keen eye for choosing the right settings for his speeches .  Away from the public sphere, the Pope reserved the most painful and poignant debate for the inner circle of the Episcopal Conference .  Before the Spanish bishops, he was unequivocal in demanding justice, reparation, and genuine support in the face of the scourge of sexual abuse within the Church .  A practical, not rhetorical, program aimed at healing wounds and revitalizing the institution through unity .

Barcelona and the culmination of a centuries-old dream

Now, the focus shifts to Catalonia .  After a farewell meeting with more than 17,000 volunteers at the IFEMA convention center in Madrid, the Pope flew to Barcelona .  The Catalan capital, which hasn’t received a papal visit for fifteen years, is preparing for a momentous occasion: the blessing of the Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia, coinciding with the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the architect of God .

The Pope’s agenda in Catalonia will be full of contrasts and powerful gestures of humanity .  He will visit the Wad-Ras prison (Brians) to meet with female inmates, meet with Third Sector organizations , and ascend to the emblematic Monastery of Montserrat, a spiritual landmark that unites believers and non-believers from Catalonia and around the world. He will also celebrate a solemn Mass at the Sagrada Familia .

The visit’s motto,  “Lift Up Your Eyes ,” already resonates as a universal call to action .  Faced with technological uncertainty and digital noise, Leo XIV’s message is a powerful message of hope: not only can we change the world, but we have a duty to rebuild it. A better world is possible .

Here is the full interview.