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The arrival of the popemobiles marks the start of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain

The popemobiles are already in Spain as preparations are finalised for Pope Leo XIV's historic visit.

Sofía HerreraSofía Herrera· · 2 min read

Preparations underway for the papal visit

Anticipation is growing in Spain ahead of the imminent arrival of Pope Leo XIV, who will embark on an extensive tour of several cities in the country. With an unprecedented logistical deployment, authorities have begun to finalise details to ensure the safety and success of this religious event.

This Sunday, an A400 Atlas aircraft from the Air and Space Army landed in Madrid with two armoured vehicles, known as popemobiles, which will be used by the Holy Father during his visit. The National Police, responsible for security, has shared images of these iconic vehicles through their social media.

The first popemobile is a white Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicle, specifically designed for the Pope's use. This vehicle features an open top and bears the registration SCV 1, indicating that it is the primary one designated for the Supreme Pontiff. The second popemobile has arrived in Barcelona and is being kept at El Prat airport.

As the dates of the visit approach, security forces have highlighted the close collaboration between the Army and the National Police as essential to ensure that everything proceeds without incidents. The logistics behind this event are complex; moving special vehicles and preparing public spaces to welcome thousands of worshippers requires meticulous coordination among various government institutions.

During his stay in Spain, which will cover key cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, Pope Leo XIV will travel over 2,500 kilometres. Throughout his journey, he is scheduled to deliver a total of 12 speeches, five homilies, and multiple official greetings directed at the faithful gathered in each city.

Given the significance of the event, thousands of people are expected to gather to see the Pope during his tour of Spain. Authorities are working hard to ensure not only safety but also a memorable experience for all attendees.

Sofía Herrera

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Sofía Herrera