TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – As millions of pilgrims and visitors gather across Spain for Pope Leo XIV’s first papal visit to the country, the six-day tour is expected to deliver not only a spiritual boost but also a significant economic windfall for the country’s tourism sector.
Pope Leo arrived in Spain on June 6, marking the first papal visit to the country in 15 years. The trip has drawn enormous crowds, with more than 1.2 million people estimated to have attended events linked to his arrival in Madrid, according to figures cited by travel industry analysts.
As reported by SBS News, the pontiff was welcomed by hundreds of thousands of people at the start of a visit that includes meetings with government leaders, Catholic groups, migrants, and victims of clergy sexual abuse. Pope Leo described sexual abuse within the Catholic Church as an “open wound” and reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue.
The pope has also used the trip to highlight broader global challenges, including artificial intelligence, political polarization, migration, and armed conflict.
“New technologies have created an artificial environment where our fundamental choices are put to the test, prejudices are magnified, critical thinking is weakened and dominating interests spread death wishes,” Pope Leo said. “Nevertheless, goodness can prevail and spread.”
Addressing a gathering that included Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, bishops, and government officials, the pope warned against the growing influence of political populism.
“Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated,” he said.
Spain’s King Felipe VI echoed those concerns, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic values, human rights, and international law.
One of the most notable moments of the visit came when more than half a million young people joined a vigil with Pope Leo in central Madrid. Speaking to the crowd, he encouraged young Catholics to become “sparks of a new humanity” and use their faith to help shape the future.
The visit is also proving to be a major boost for Spain’s tourism industry. According to travel publication TDM, tourism intelligence firm Data Appeal Mabrian estimates that spending linked to the papal visit could generate approximately US$86 million in additional tourism revenue as around 1.8 million people participate in related events.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, described Spain as a nation with deep Christian traditions and a rich legacy of cultural and intellectual exchange.
“Spain is a land that served as a laboratory of dialogue between different worlds in the heart of the Middle Ages,” Bruni said, highlighting the country’s historical role in shaping discussions on human rights and human dignity.
Industry experts note that papal visits have long served as powerful catalysts for religious tourism. Beyond attracting pilgrims, they often generate substantial economic activity for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and transportation providers while raising the international profile of host destinations.
TDM reported that previous papal visits, including those by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, delivered both immediate economic benefits and long-term gains for tourism sectors. Analysts point to events such as World Youth Day in the Philippines in 1995, which attracted millions of visitors and helped strengthen the country’s reputation as a destination for major international events.
Recent papal visits have also evolved beyond traditional religious pilgrimages. Experts say modern pontiffs increasingly focus attention on social and humanitarian issues, visiting marginalized communities and encouraging solidarity with vulnerable groups. This approach has resonated with younger travelers seeking purpose-driven experiences.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has previously noted that papal visits provide countries with a unique opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, tourism infrastructure, and social values to a global audience.
Pope Leo’s itinerary includes a visit to Barcelona, where he will bless the new tower of the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica, the tallest church in the world. He is also scheduled to travel to the Canary Islands to honor thousands of migrants who lost their lives attempting to reach Europe.
The pope, who was born in the United States, was also asked about the upcoming FIFA World Cup. He said he would support the U.S. national team, although he acknowledged he might not have time to watch many matches.
Pope Leo will remain in Spain until June 12, with organizers expecting crowds to continue growing as major events take place throughout the visit. The combination of faith, culture, and tourism has turned the trip into one of Spain’s largest international gatherings in recent years, highlighting both the enduring influence of the Catholic Church and the economic power of religious tourism.
Read: Pope Leo in Spain: More Than a Million Line Madrid Streets
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