Pope Leo XIV already has an official residence for his trip to Barcelona next week. The pontiff will stay in the Gothic Quarter, in a 13th-century building that has already hosted two of his predecessors during their visits to the Catalan capital.
This is the Episcopal Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Juan José Omella, a cardinal and participant in the last conclave that elected Cardinal Prevost as pope.
León XIV will stay in a historic building nestled between the Cathedral of Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia and Plaça Nova.
Construction of this palace began in 1253 by order of Bishop Arnau de Gurb and is a landmark of Romanesque architecture in the city.
Throughout the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, the building underwent several renovations; the most recent dates back to 1928. It has four floors, with facades facing Carrer del Bisbe and Plaça Nova.
Inside, it houses the Diocesan Archives and is listed as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest.
It is the same palace where John Paul II and Benedict XVI stayed during their visits to Barcelona in 1982 and 2010, respectively.
León XIV will visit Barcelona from June 9 to 11 on his first trip to Spain, following a stop in Madrid. In Barcelona, the pope will celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Família on June 10.