Pope Leo XIV visits Barcelona, admits Real Madrid fanhood
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 3:55 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Pope Leo XIV began the Barcelona leg of his Spain tour on June 9, appealing for harmony among attendees at the cathedral. Despite this, his recent confession about being a Real Madrid fan has stirred unease among Barcelona supporters. The pontiff spoke in Catalan, emphasizing unity in his message. His remarks came three days after his comment during a flight to Spain provoked discussions among local football fans.
- •Pope Leo XIV started his Barcelona visit on June 9, 2026.
- •He called for harmony and communion among attendees.
- •His identification as a Real Madrid fan upset Barcelona supporters.
- •The pontiff spoke in Catalan during his address at the cathedral.
- •The remarks followed his earlier confession on a flight to Spain.
- 3:55 PMThe Guardian Sport — Is the pope a Real Madrid fan? Leo’s admission upsets Barcelona faithful
"Pontiff appeals in Catalan for harmony on Barcelona leg of Spain tour after making football foes in city To the delight of many, Pope Leo XIV kicked off the Barcelona leg of his week-long visit to Spain with a few words in Catalan, calling on the faithful who had gathered in the city’s cathedral on Tuesday “to build harmony and communion beyond all polarisation”. The pontiff’s familiar and commendable plea for people to set aside their differences may, however, have come a little late. Three days earlier, while chatting to journalists on the flight to Spain, Leo had made an awkward confession. Continue reading...
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