{"id":655,"date":"2026-06-09T12:39:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T12:39:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=655"},"modified":"2026-06-09T12:39:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T12:39:28","slug":"pope-leo-wades-into-spains-culture-wars-over-soccer-and-the-catalan-language-in-barcelona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=655","title":{"rendered":"Pope Leo wades into Spain\u2019s culture wars over soccer and the Catalan language in Barcelona"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) \u2014 Pope Leo XIV<\/span> waded into two of Spain\u2019s classic culture wars as he landed in Barcelona on Tuesday during his weeklong visit<\/span> to the country, but sought to defuse one quickly by speaking first in the Catalan language instead of Spanish upon his arrival.<\/p>\n

Read more Analysis: Chinese President Xi\u2019s silence on nuclear arms is a gift to North Korea\u2019s Kim Jong Un<\/a><\/p>\n

The U.S.-born pontiff earlier rubbed soccer fans in Barcelona the wrong way by saying he actually roots for Real Madrid instead of their beloved Bar\u00e7a<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The other matter was likely unavoidable. Many Catalans wanted the pope to speak more Catalan publicly instead of Spanish, which Leo speaks fluently and is expected to use predominantly during his visit to Barcelona<\/span> before heading to the Canary Islands.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

The pope even visited Real Madrid\u2019s museum<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe pope is for all teams, but Prevost is for Real Madrid\u201d were the words that sealed Leo\u2019s sporting fate with many a Bar\u00e7a fan when he responded to a question on the papal plane en route to Spain.<\/p>\n

Madrid proudly posted the video of the moment, and social media filled with comments about how Madrid is \u201cthe team of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom\u00e1s Roncero, a popular sports commentator for the widely read Spanish sports daily AS, said in a video that \u201cthe pope can\u2019t be for Bar\u00e7a because it is a sinful club … in his heart he is of a pure and clean club like Madrid.\u201d<\/p>\n

For many non-Madrid fans, especially those in Spain\u2019s regions with different languages and strong local identities like Catalonia, Real Madrid is associated with strong central power. Many consider it almost a pillar of the state, along with the central government and the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The pope aligned himself closely with Madrid during events in the capital. He visited Real Madrid\u2019s museum to peruse its packed trophy case with club president Florentino P\u00e9rez, who gave him a Madrid shirt with \u201cRobert F. Prevost\u201d on the back.<\/p>\n

On Monday, thousands of Catholics packed the home venue of Real Madrid for a rally with the pope featuring dancers kicking soccer balls while dressed in the white and yellow colors of the Holy See.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\u201cToday the Church in Madrid has scored a great goal to always be remembered!\u201d Leo said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/div>\n
\nSign up for Morning Wire:<\/strong>
\n Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n