Image :Filippo Monteforte/AFP
The seven-day journey will include major liturgical celebrations, an address to Spain’s political institutions, the inauguration of the new Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada FamÃlia, and encounters with migrants in the Canary Islands.
The Apostolic Journey is expected to strengthen the faith of Spanish Catholics while highlighting themes central to Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, including evangelization, youth engagement, social solidarity, and support for migrants.
What about statistics from the Central Office of Church in Spain
The recent released statistics from the Central Office of Church reveal that the Catholic Church continues to play a significant role in Spanish society, with more than 45 million Catholics, thousands of parishes, and an extensive network of educational and charitable institutions operating across the country.
As of 31 December 2024, Spain had a population of approximately 48.6 million people, of whom 45.3 million (93.25%) were identified as Catholics. The Church's pastoral structure comprises 71 ecclesiastical jurisdictions, 22,788 parishes, and 4,137 other pastoral centers, serving communities throughout the nation.
A substantial workforce supports the Church’s pastoral mission. Spain counted 130 bishops (as of April 30, 2026), 18,113 priests, including 12,461 diocesan priests and 5,652 religious priests, as well as 601 permanent deacons. Religious life remains vibrant, with 32,996 professed women religious, 2,435 religious brothers and 96 lay missionaries. Additionally, 80,637 catechists assist in faith formation and evangelization.
Despite ongoing challenges related to priestly vocations, Spain recorded 1,343 major seminarians preparing for the priesthood and 595 minor seminarians, indicating continued interest in ecclesiastical ministry. The Church also maintains a strong educational presence. Catholic institutions operate 3,773 primary schools, 1,885 secondary schools, and 104 higher education establishments.
Beyond education, the Church remains one of the country's largest providers of social and charitable services. Catholic organizations manage 58 hospitals, 51 clinics, 848 homes for the elderly and disabled, 660 orphanages and nurseries, 226 family consultation centers, 197 rehabilitation and social education centers, and more than 3,051 other charitable institutions.
The figures underscore the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in Spain, not only as a religious institution but also as a key contributor to education, healthcare, and social welfare across the country.
