Madrid is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV for a visit expected to be one of the largest events in the capital in recent years. Liturgical celebrations, institutional meetings and public gatherings will fill an extensive schedule over several days.
Amid these preparations, one question remains on everyone’s mind: where will the Pope stay during his visit to Madrid?
When will the Pope be in Madrid?
Pope Leo XIV will stay in Madrid from 6 to 9 June 2026, as part of his apostolic journey to Spain, scheduled from 6 to 12 June. His arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid‑Barajas Airport is planned for the morning of Saturday 6 June, with the capital serving as the first stop on his itinerary.
After he visits Madrid, the Pope will travel to Barcelona, where he is expected to visit the Sagrada Familia and other key sites, before continuing on to Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Where will Pope Leo XIV be staying in Madrid?
During his stay in the capital, Leo XIV will be staying at the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain, the official residence of the Holy See's diplomatic representative. As is customary on papal international trips, the Pope will choose to remain at this residence, an institutional and residential space.
The Nunciature is not only the workplace of the apostolic nuncio — the Vatican's ambassador to Spain — but also the meeting point for diplomatic and ecclesial meetings.
The Pope will rest there after his public appearances and will hold some private meetings, including one with Pedro Sánchez. The Pontiff will be accompanied by a small team, while the rest of the official delegation (Vatican journalists, security personnel and Swiss Guards) will stay at a nearby hotel.
This is the headquarters of the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain
The Apostolic Nunciature is located in the Chamartín district, in northern Madrid, in a quiet and well-connected residential area. The building stands out for its understated elegance and discretion, befitting its diplomatic function. Among its main features:
- It is the official residence of the apostolic nuncio in Spain.
- It houses administrative offices and spaces intended for institutional meetings.
- It has a private chapel and garden areas.
- It has enhanced security measures, especially during official visits.
During the days of the papal visit, the surrounding area will have significant security to ensure the smooth running of events and the privacy of the Pope.
Which popes have visited Madrid?
Madrid has been the setting for historic moments linked to papal visits. Since 1982, the capital has hosted massive gatherings that have left their mark on several generations.
Pope John Paul II
He was the first Pope to visit Spain. His 1982 visit – the longest ever by a pontiff to the country – included huge events in Madrid, such as a meeting with young people at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and impactful liturgical celebrations. He returned on several subsequent occasions (1984, 1989, 1993, and 2003).
Pope Benedict XVI
He visited Madrid in 2011 for World Youth Day (WYD), which brought together more than a million young people for events such as the vigil at Cuatro Vientos. During that stay, like his predecessor, he resided at the Apostolic Nunciature.
Pope Leo XIV
This will be the ninth papal trip to Spain and his first visit to the country as Pontiff. Before his election, Robert Francis Prevost had already been to Madrid in 2011, when he participated in the World Youth Day events as Superior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. He will return in 2026 as Pope.
Living in Chamartín
Chamartín is one of Madrid's most established residential districts. It offers quiet areas and wide avenues, schools, embassies and institutional headquarters. Its strategic location allows for quick access to both the city centre and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
The neighbourhood also boasts a wide range of services, shops and green spaces, making it one of the most sought-after areas to live in the capital. During the papal visit, this area in northern Madrid will become one of the most closely monitored and discreet spots on the city map.
