Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain will leave behind far more than images of crowds and a packed pastoral schedule. According to estimates presented by the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), the Pontiff's seven-day stay in the country will entail an approximate cost of 25 million euros, but could generate an economic return of more than 150 million, which amounts to five euros in revenue for every euro invested.
"We are currently estimating that the consolidated budget, without of course having all the figures finalised, will amount to 25 million euros," explained on Tuesday the deputy general coordinator of the visit and deputy secretary for Economic Affairs of the CEE, Fernando Giménez Barriocanal, at a press briefing.
The figures, still provisional and released just days before the Holy Father's arrival in Madrid next Saturday, provide a frame of reference for the dioceses involved in the trip: Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. In any case, Giménez Barriocanal stressed that the financial aspect pales in comparison with the spiritual and social impact of the prelate's visit: "That's not why we're doing this."
Of the total budget, around 85% will go directly to the scheduled events, while the rest will cover logistics, communications and overall organisation. The Episcopal Conference itself will take on around 1.4 million euros for expenses such as accommodation and transport for the papal entourage, accreditation, liturgical materials and equipment for volunteers.
