The protest, organized by various secular entities, took place this Tuesday afternoon coinciding with the pontiff's event in Montjuïc. Demonstrators question the papal reception at Congress and the free use of the Olympic Stadium, demanding that his visit does not incur public expense.
The gathering is part of the campaign "I don't wait for you," referencing the anticipation surrounding the pontiff's arrival. During speeches, organizers stated that the Pope is welcome "as long as our money is not used."
Not with our money
Housing entities and student unions also joined the protest, using the opportunity to criticize Pope Leo XIV's speech in the Congress of Deputies against abortion.
According to reports, the pontiff's visit across Spain is estimated to cost around 25 million euros. In Catalonia, the Generalitat's contribution for Pope Leo XIV's visit has been set at a minimum of 1.6 million euros, sourced from the tourist tax. The Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, Ramon Espadaler, confirmed this figure.
