Episcopal Commissions of Spain and Portugal reflect on impact of large ecclesial gatherings

Episcopal commissions for social communications from Spain and Portugal met in the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante from October 19 to 21 to discuss how papal visits mobilize the Church and engage society. The meeting used the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon with Pope Francis and the recent trip to Spain by Pope Leo XIV as primary examples.

The commissions concluded that the Pope's presence provides an opportunity to establish trust and offers a positive response to social crises and polarization. The bishops stated that papal messages defend human dignity, justice, and the common good without resorting to confrontation or feeding hatred. They noted that these large-scale events demonstrate the social relevance of the Gospel by bringing diverse groups together and placing faith in the public square.

The meeting included contributions from Rita Sacramento Monteiro, executive director of the Economy of Francesco Foundation, and Almudena Calvo Domper, press officer for the national committee of Pope Leo XIV's trip to Spain. The bishops intend for these reflections to inspire future pastoral and communication efforts within the Church.