Piero Pioppo presides pontifical office of Santa Tecla

Apostolic Nuncio Piero Pioppo presided over the pontifical office for the feast of Saint Tecla at the Tarragona Cathedral on Wednesday, September 23. Accompanied by Archbishop Joan Planellas, cathedral chapter members, and local priests, Pioppo led the celebrations for the patron saint of the city.

The ceremony began with the opening of the urn containing the relic of Saint Tecla's arm, which the nuncio carried to the high altar during the entrance procession. Archbishop Planellas noted that Pioppo's presence as the representative of Pope Leo XIV highlighted the connection between the local Church and Rome.

During his homily, Pioppo encouraged Catholics to remain faithful to Christ and avoid following worldly logic. He used images of a vigil, the night, and a door to discuss maintaining faith during difficulties and living with the conviction that God cares for humanity. The event was attended by Tarragona Mayor Rubén Viñuales, municipal officials, and representatives from various civil, academic, military, and police institutions.