Pope Leo XIV will make his apostolic visit to Spain from June 6 to 12, 2026, accepting an invitation extended by King Felipe VI and the Church of Spain. It's a landmark occasion for the royal family. Pope Francis had stayed away from the Spanish mainland for his entire pontificate, making Leo's arrival all the more anticipated for the royal family and the nation as a whole.
© WireImageAside from King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the visit will also include Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, who will take part in two key events: the reception at the Royal Palace, where the Pope will meet with authorities and Spanish diplomats, and the Mass in Madrid on June 7.
The news was confirmed mere hours ago, marking some of the most significant duties the two sisters will carry out in their lives. It will be the first time they stand before the Pope in their current roles: Leonor as heir to the throne, and Sofía as second in the line of succession.
Fifteen years ago, both girls attended the last papal visit to Spain, when Pope Benedict XVI met with representatives from Spain. The girls were young children then, with their father then serving as the Prince of Asturias.
© Getty ImagesFollowing in the footsteps of Europe's young heirs
Leonor and Sofía are not alone in stepping into the papal spotlight at a young age. This past March, Pope Leo visited Monaco, where he was welcomed by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. Their children, Jacques and Gabriella, who will turn 12 in December, were the stars of the occasion, greeting the crowd from the balcony and appearing in a historic photo alongside the Pope.
The visit marked the first time a Pope had traveled to Monaco in the modern era. Despite the kids' ages, they've been involved in and attended numerous state events where they play key roles.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesThe Grand Ducal family of Luxembourg also had a close encounter with Pope Leo, though in this case it was the family who traveled to meet him. Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie visited the Vatican on January 23, accompanied by their young sons, Prince Charles, 5, and Prince François, 2.
The children's presence was unannounced and came as a surprise. Following his grandfather's abdication in October of last year, Prince Charles became the youngest heir apparent in Europe.
The Spanish Royal Family's agenda during the Pope's visit
On June 6, the Pope will depart Rome and arrive in Madrid, where a welcome ceremony will take place at the Royal Palace, followed by a meeting with government officials, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps. Shortly after, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía will join the King and Queen at the Royal Palace for the official reception.
The following day, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Pope will celebrate Mass at the Plaza de Cibeles, where the entire royal family is expected to be in attendance.
© Spanish Royal Household via Gett
