Overview
- Zarzuela confirmed the audience at the Vatican for Friday, March 20, followed by Felipe VI’s investiture at the Papal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor in Rome.
- It will be the first official meeting between King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and León XIV since his pontificate began in May 2025.
- The protocanon title at Santa María la Mayor is a ceremonial honor linked for centuries to Spain’s monarchy, with previous holders including King Juan Carlos I.
- The Rome visit comes ahead of León XIV’s scheduled trip to Spain from June 6 to 12 with stops planned in Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
- Other Spanish figures have Vatican engagements, including an audience for Madrid regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso on June 1, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has so far only held a phone call with the Pope.