A monumental operation in times of global tension
The arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Spain, scheduled between 6 and 12 June, has triggered one of the largest security deployments in the country's recent history. With over 13,000 agents mobilised, the Ministry of the Interior faces an unparalleled logistical and operational challenge, in an international context marked by uncertainty.
The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has led a key meeting at the Technological Security Centre (CETSE) to coordinate efforts among various governmental and police agencies. Representatives from the Royal House and the Episcopal Conference, as well as police bodies that will play a crucial role during the papal visit, participated in this meeting.
The plan designed by the Interior is structured in four phases: pre-event, preventive, alert, and critical. Currently, we are in the preventive phase, where vital information is being gathered to adjust the operation to changing circumstances. From 1 June, the alert phase will be activated, establishing "safe zones" around accommodations and scheduled events.
The critical phase will coincide with the most significant dates of the papal trip: starting in Madrid until 9 June, followed by Barcelona until the 11th and concluding in the Canary Islands. During this period, the operation will function under a reinforced level 4 of the current anti-terrorism plan.
Although the main identified risk is terrorism, authorities are also alert to possible radical actions or social movements that may take advantage of the event's visibility. Marlaska has emphasised that "the international geopolitical context is not the most favourable," adding an additional layer of complexity to the operation.
The visit includes events not only in Madrid and Barcelona but also in the Canary Islands, specifically Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This geographical dispersion requires meticulous planning to ensure that each location receives the necessary attention.
In addition to the national police deployment —which includes around 11,000 National Police agents, plus 2,200 Civil Guard, as well as regional forces— there will also be a strong local presence with municipal police and teams specialised in cybersecurity and civil protection.
However, this monumental effort is not without additional challenges; it coincides with other mass events such as concerts scheduled during those same dates. Nevertheless, Marlaska is fully confident that Spain has "the muscle and experience" necessary to handle this complex situation without compromising either security or citizens' rights.
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