Barcelona will activate a security and mobility device between June 8 and 11 for the visit of Pope Leo XIV that will cut off streets, alter access, and force the reinforcement of the metro, Rodalies, and other transport services in various parts of the city.
The main tension during those days will be in mobility. The visit concentrates events in the Barcelona Cathedral, El Raval, the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, and the Sagrada Família, while the City Council already warns that moving around Ciutat Vella and l'Eixample will be more difficult than usual and recommends prioritizing the metro.
Barcelona will close access to the Cathedral, El Raval, and Sagrada Família
The first restrictions will begin on June 8 in the perimeter of the Barcelona Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, where the pontiff will stay during his visit. This area will maintain traffic limitations until the progressive deactivation of the device scheduled for Thursday, June 11.
On Tuesday afternoon, Leo XIV will preside over a prayer vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium with 37,000 attendees. Controls and restrictions for this event will begin to be applied from Monday, June 8.
A day later, on Wednesday, June 10, there will be total traffic closures in the streets near the church of Sant Agustí, in El Raval. In this area, disruptions will begin the previous day.
There will also be a special cordon around the Sagrada Família for the mass and blessing of the Tower of Jesus. The operation will cover a perimeter of nine blocks around the temple and will include a one-kilometer route for the popemobile along Rosselló street.
TMB and Rodalies will reinforce service while Bicing points close
Given the forecast of more travel and more surface limitations, TMB will reinforce the metro network with more trains on several lines. The operator's goal is to absorb the increase in demand during the central events of the visit.
Rodalies will also increase service on lines R1 and R4 and add more information staff and security agents at stations. In parallel, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat has prepared an additional device to facilitate access to Montserrat, where thousands of visitors are expected.
The restrictions will not only affect private cars. Within the security perimeters, some Bicing parking spots and those of other shared bicycle and motorcycle operators will be temporarily closed, which will reduce the available supply in areas with high attendance.
The City Council places the greatest complications in Ciutat Vella and l'Eixample and asks to plan journeys in advance. In these districts, traffic closures will coincide with access controls and an increase in public transport travelers.
The removal of the device will begin on Thursday, June 11, and the restrictions in the vicinity of the Barcelona Cathedral will be lifted around 10 a.m.