Archbishop of Tarragona opposes explicit burqa ban

Joan Planellas calls for religious education and confirms Pope Leo XIV's visit to Barcelona in June.

Generic image of the Jesus Christ tower at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
IA

Generic image of the Jesus Christ tower at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The Archbishop of Tarragona, Joan Planellas, has voiced his opposition to an explicit legal ban on the burqa, citing concerns over religious freedom and the dignity of women.

Speaking on SER Catalunya, Planellas argued that the issue is more nuanced than political debates suggest. He emphasized that a direct prohibition could infringe upon fundamental rights and called for more social pedagogy.

"I do not see getting into an explicit prohibition."

Joan Planellas · Archbishop of Tarragona
The Archbishop also highlighted a pilot program for the 2026-2027 academic year, where 24 public schools in Catalonia will offer religious culture classes. This move aims to address the growing cultural ignorance regarding Western Christian heritage among students.
Regarding Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit on June 9-10, Planellas confirmed a mass event in Barcelona and a ceremony at the Sagrada Família to mark the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death.