Philip II died in the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on September 13, 1598, after a long agony. Before breathing his last, like most of his contemporaries, he had detailed in his will everything that was to be done afterward. Among other things, he had ordered that 20,000 Masses be celebrated for his salvation. The more Masses, the less time in purgatory, the Church said.

"I can't find anything else, oh Lord," laments Pedro, who has been writing a dedication to Pope Francis for a while in the book of condolences set up in the chapel of Santa Lucía. Barcelona, ​​​​which has been faster, is already rounding the corner to arrive on time for the ceremony: "I thanked him for his help to the poor and his humility. He was a simple pope." In the square in front, there are still dozens of people queuing at the door. "I am a nun, but Pope Francis made you believe," reads one of the quotes, written in Catalan. "Thank you for making the Church more open," reads another, this time in English. El Domenichini Filippo, an Italian tourist who came accompanied by his wife and daughters, hasn't written anything but has lit a candle. Barcelona can't hold back its tears: "I am divorced and remarried. The Pope has allowed me to receive communion again. He has forgiven me," she says, moved. Barcelona, ​​​​Joan Josep Omella, presides over the 7:15 p.m. Mass, the last of the day. And the program says it, just as the program says. celebrated his birthday, on Tuesday he will leave after lunch for Rome, where he will participate in the conclave to elect a new pontiff. "Just as he said at World Youth Day in Lisbon, 'we all, all, all have a place in the Church. All, all.'" She dedicates a few words to women and the Pope's efforts to feminize the institution. May he not forget to pray for us."