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Singers Expelled from Sagrada Familia: Controversy Over Papal Visit

Independence parties and social entities demand explanations for police action against a group of singers.

Generic image of the Sagrada Familia facade.
IA

Generic image of the Sagrada Familia facade.

The expulsion of pro-independence singers from the Sagrada Familia by the National Police has ignited significant controversy following Pope Leo XIV's visit, drawing reactions from various political parties and social organizations.

The police action that led to the expulsion of singers from the Sagrada Familia, who were scheduled to participate in an event during Pope Leo XIV's visit, has drawn widespread criticism from parties such as the CUP, Junts, and ERC. These parties are demanding detailed explanations regarding the order and the criteria that prompted the police intervention.
From the CUP, parliamentary spokesperson Dani Cornellà announced the submission of a question to the Parliament's Bureau to clarify who gave the order to expel the singers, whether it was an explicit decision by Consellera Núria Parlon or the police leadership, and under what criteria the presence of independence flags was prevented. They also question the responsibility of the police operation and the guidelines followed by the Mossos d'Esquadra.
CUP deputy Xavier Pellicer described the expulsion as a "witch hunt" against the independence movement, deeming such events "unacceptable in a democracy." Pellicer also criticized the Government's handling of the Pope's visit, questioning the expenses and what he considers a "propaganda campaign."
Meanwhile, Junts and ERC have also expressed their discontent. Jordi Martí Galbis, president of Junts' municipal group, denounced that "driving away peaceful people" for carrying "senyeres" (Catalan flags) and singing "Els Segadors" is "intolerable and unbecoming of a democratic state," demanding accountability. The president of ERC's municipal group in Barcelona City Council announced they would seek "explanations from the Barcelona government today."
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"Driving away peaceful people from such an extraordinary event as the blessing of the Cross of Jesus Christ of the Sagrada Familia for carrying senyeres and wanting to sing Els Segadors is intolerable and unbecoming of a democratic state. Someone must explain themselves and take responsibility."

Jordi Martí Galbis · President of Junts' municipal group
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"What a level. We will ask for explanations from the Barcelona government today."

Elisenda Alamany · President of ERC's municipal group
Pro-independence entities such as Òmnium Cultural and the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) have also condemned the police action. Òmnium considers it a "clear violation of freedom of expression," while the ANC has called for the "resignation of those responsible for this blunder."
Sources from the Spanish National Police (CNP) confirmed the expulsion, alleging that the singers were carrying "estelades (Catalan independence flags) with the intention of boycotting the event" – the blessing of the Jesus Tower of the Sagrada Familia, which involved the Montserrat Boys' Choir.

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