Will the Pope Visit Santiago de Compostela?

The possible visit of Pope Leo XIV to Santiago de Compostela explores whether the pontiff will include the city in his agenda, the role of the formal invitation from the archbishop, and the spiritual opportunity that coinciding with the upcoming Holy Year of 2027 would represent, highlighting its connection to the Camino de Santiago and the symbolic value of the Cathedral as a pilgrimage destination.

A visit from the Pope to Santiago de Compostela is one of the most anticipated events for the Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Throughout history, not all pontiffs have had the privilege of kneeling before the tomb of the Apostle. Following the passing of Pope Francis —who, despite multiple invitations, never managed to come— all eyes are now on Pope Leo XIV. Will he be the one to take a Jacobean route to Compostela in the upcoming Holy Year of 2027? Here we review previous visits, current efforts, and hopes for the future.

Entrance inscription to the Tomb of the Apostle Santiago

The latest visits from the Pope to Santiago de Compostela

Santiago has welcomed three popes in its recent history. The first was in 1982, when John Paul II came on the occasion of the Jacobean Holy Year. It was a very emotional moment, and he even dared to speak in Galician, which was a nice gesture for the Galicians. He returned in 1989 for the World Youth Day and, on that occasion, walked the last stretch of the Camino on foot to the Cathedral, like any other pilgrim.

Then, in 2010, it was the turn of Benedict XVI. He also came for a Holy Year and, although it was a brief visit, it held great significance. He entered through the Holy Door, prayed at the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, and celebrated a mass for the multitude in the Plaza del Obradoiro.

Commemorative plaque of the visits of John Paul II and Benedict XVI at the Cathedral of Santiago

The absence of Pope Francis in Santiago

Pope Francis never visited Santiago de Compostela or Spain during his pontificate. While his predecessors did attend, he maintained his policy of prioritizing smaller or developing countries.

Over the years, several opportunities have arisen, such as the Franciscan Year in 2015, the Holy Year of Mercy 2016, or the extension of the Holy Year until 2022, which generated great anticipation. There were efforts and invitations from all institutions —Government, Xunta de Galicia, Archdiocese, and Episcopal Conference—, and even specific dates were considered in the summer of 2022. However, the visit never materialized, and his passing in 2025 definitively closed that possibility.

Thus, since the Holy Year of Jacobeo 2010, there have been no more papal visits to Santiago… but who knows, perhaps the new Pope will revive that beautiful tradition.

The opening of the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago is a very special moment in the Holy Year of Jacobeo

The confirmed visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain in June 2026

Although he will not specifically come to Santiago de Compostela, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed an apostolic visit to Spain from June 6 to 12, 2026, marking the first time in 15 years that a pontiff travels to the country since the last presence of Benedict XVI. During this trip, which is part of his international program, the Pope will visit cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, where institutional meetings, liturgical acts, and large celebrations will take place, including events related to the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí and the inauguration of the Jesus Tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This visit represents a moment of great spiritual and social significance for the entire Church in Spain, even though its route does not pass directly through Santiago.

The possible visit of Pope Leo XIV in the Holy Year of Jacobeo 2027

Archbishop Francisco Prieto, archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, has already announced that he will send an invitation to the new Pope, Leo XIV, as soon as possible for him to visit the city. However, depending on the type of visit proposed, the procedure changes. If it is a state visit, the approval of the Spanish Government will be necessary, in addition to official invitations from the king, the president of the Government, and the Episcopal Conference. Of course, these institutions will support and promote this visit, given its importance.

But there is also the possibility that the Pope comes as a pilgrim, something much more symbolic and directly linked to the spirit of the Camino. The archbishop himself has commented that Robert Francis Prevost was in Santiago years ago, and that it would now be very exciting to see him return as pontiff, especially with an eye on the upcoming Holy Year of 2027.

Santiago de Compostela is the center of Christendom in Holy Year and with a papal visit

The Xunta de Galicia has publicly expressed the desire for this visit to become a reality, highlighting the enormous spiritual and emotional importance it would have for Galicia. The collaboration between the Archdiocese and civil institutions will be key in the coming months to advance the necessary procedures.

Although the official confirmation of a papal visit usually arrives only a few months in advance, there are reasons to be optimistic. Both at the religious and institutional levels, steps are being taken so that Leo XIV can visit the tomb of the Apostle. It would be an unforgettable event for the entire Jacobean community.

As he did with the previous Pope, and in the words of the Archbishop referring to him, "Santiago was the first disciple who gave his life for the Lord, and I told him, with a bit of humor, that 'Your friend Santiago is still waiting for Peter to come visit him'." A truly classy invitation, which has already been conveyed to the new Pope.

Sepulcher of the Apostle Santiago, the goal of the Pope's visit to Santiago de Compostela and of every pilgrim

A Pope with a missionary spirit, and a pilgrim?

It is still early to know what the priorities of the new Pope Leo XIV will be, but everything points to him being a close, committed pontiff eager to travel the world. His own brother has described him as a man with a missionary soul and a traveling spirit, which has sparked great hopes in Galicia.

The Compostela Church is already looking towards the Holy Year of 2027 as an ideal occasion to welcome the Pope at the tomb of the Apostle Santiago. And the Xunta de Galicia has also committed to working hand in hand with the Archdiocese to make that visit a reality.

And you? Can you imagine experiencing the next Xacobeo by walking the Camino de Santiago and coinciding with a possible papal visit? Start preparing your backpack! There is no better time than now to begin dreaming of your own pilgrimage. We are here to help you make it a reality.