One week before Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Barcelona, some balconies are already displaying Vatican City flags, most of them distributed by the Ginesta de la Guineueta Association, which has delivered over 15,000 to parishioners through parishes and has sold out its stock.In early March, shortly after the Holy See announced that Leo XIV would visit Barcelona, members of the Ginesta Association organized to promote an action that would "generate buzz" for the pontiff's visit. Following the "Catalan tradition" of decorating balconies with flags on special occasions, they decided to fill the city with the Vatican City flag.
Visit of the Pope: Catalonia and the Canary Islands will pay 20% of the cost and Madrid will only cede spaces
The visit of Leo XIV to the State will cost 25 million euros
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BarcelonaPope Leo XIV's visit to the State will cost 25 million euros, but not all territories will contribute the same amount. This Tuesday, those responsible for the trip explained that Catalonia and the Canary Islands will pay 20% of the visit's cost, while Madrid will only provide spaces and services. The deputy general coordinator of the trip, Fernando Giménez Barriocanal, acknowledged that a "very significant" investment of resources has been made, which has been possible thanks to the collaboration of different administrations and private "benefactors".
Regarding Catalonia, government sources detail that the Generalitat will invest 1.6 million euros in the pontiff's visit next week. They also explain that this contribution will be made through an agreement signed with the Archbishopric of Barcelona and that the funds will come entirely from the tourist tax. "It will not cost Barcelona taxpayers a single euro," the same sources defend.
Madrid makes no direct contributions
Asked about the amount of money that Madrid has contributed, Giménez Barriocanal highlighted that the Spanish government and the regional administration have opted not to make direct contributions to the visit of Leo XIV and have opted for other contributions in the form of spaces or services. “It is a very valuable thing,” defended the deputy general coordinator of the trip, adding that they are “very happy” and have “no complaints.” “In Catalonia and the Canary Islands they have wanted to arrange it in another way, and that also seems great to us,” he assured.
Beyond the contribution of each autonomous community, the organization indicates that 45% of the visit's budget will be paid by private companies and foundations, including BBVA, Iberdrola, Indra, ACS, Telefónica, Banco Santander, Banc Sabadell, and Endesa. There is also 30% of money from the dioceses' own resources and the Episcopal Conference, with money from parishioners. In the case of the Episcopal Conference, it is expected to assume an expense of 1.4 million euros. Finally, 5% of the Pope's trip budget to the State has been obtained through direct donations to the visit.
15,000 Vatican flags sold out
