Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain last month made a profound impact on the Spanish people, according to a survey commissioned by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference.
Conducted online by GAD3 with more than 5,000 of registered participants and volunteers involved in the apostolic journey, 97% held a positive or very positive view of the pontiff’s visit to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands that took place June 6–12.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents acknowledged that, prior to the popeʼs arrival in Spain, their knowledge of the person, biography, and apostolic message of Leo XIV was limited. That number dropped to 14% following the visit.
The vast majority of registered participants and volunteers indicated that the presence of the vicar of Christ in Spain has strengthened their desire to help improve the world, deepen their personal relationship with God, and reinforce their commitment to the Church.
The visit has also contributed very positively to a better understanding of the person of Jesus Christ and the Church.
Among the emotions most frequently experienced during the days of the papal visit to the country, respondents highlighted joy, enthusiasm, hope, peace, a sense of unity with others, spiritual connection, and pride.
The popeʼs most impactful messages
Among the messages from Pope Leo XIV that had the greatest impact were “the importance of prayer and a personal encounter with God” (19%); “the importance of living out oneʼs faith with joy and hope” (17%); “the call to serve and help others” (13%); and “building peace through dialogue, listening, and reconciliation” (12%).
Among the least highlighted messages were “the value of volunteering” (1%), “the dialogue between faith, culture, and art” (2%), and “welcoming and integrating migrants and vulnerable people” (7%) even though a significant part of the pope’s visit and his messages involved the migration situation in Spain.
Resolutions following the visit
After the pope’s visit to Spain, the survey participants made personal resolutions, including “trying to live with more hope or joy” (45%), “attending more to my spiritual life” (41%), “trying to help others more” (30%), and “talking more about my faith with others” (28%).
Likewise, many have committed to “spending more time in prayer” (27%), “considering an important decision,” “participating in my parish or community,” or “becoming more committed to the Church” (11%).
Digital impact
The vast majority of participants read or listened to digital content about the pope after the visit (91%) or shared photos and videos of the visit via WhatsApp (89%).
Seven out of 10 forwarded messages, quotes, or videos of the pope via WhatsApp or Telegram, while slightly more than half sought out and followed new social media profiles related to the pontiff or the visit, or shared content in parish, volunteer, or attendee groups.
Furthermore, 55% used Instagram, 24% YouTube, 1 in 5 Facebook, 14% TikTok, and only 10% used X. More than a quarter of the respondents did not use social media.
Overall, 91% felt that media coverage accurately reflected the experience to a great or significant extent.
The group of registrants and volunteers consisted of 39% men and 61% women, with an average age of 36; 22% of those attending the various events were under the age of 18.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.