Union controversy over security for the Pope's visit to Madrid

Police unions question the capacity of the security operation ahead of the massive influx of pilgrims in June.

Generic image of a podium with a microphone in an institutional setting.
IA

Generic image of a podium with a microphone in an institutional setting.

The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Madrid, scheduled from June 6 to 9, has sparked an intense debate regarding security following warnings from police unions.

The security operation, described by the Government Delegation as an unprecedented mobilization, expects up to one million people to attend events such as the Corpus Christi mass at Cibeles. However, union organizations have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the plan.
In a joint statement, agent representatives indicated that they cannot currently ensure the necessary coverage in the city. They argue that the plan relies too heavily on the voluntary participation of a staff that feels neglected by the Madrid City Council, warning of the risk of exhausting personnel and leaving districts unprotected.

"As of today, it is not possible to adequately guarantee service coverage or security in the city of Madrid and its districts during the days scheduled for the visit."

a union spokesperson
Beyond security, the capital faces a large-scale logistical challenge. Renfe has announced an increase of two million additional seats, while authorities are working on urban mobility management, which will include temporary closures at Metro and Cercanías stations.
In the cultural sphere, institutions have scheduled the Noche en Blanco y Amarillo initiative, which will provide free access to venues such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum on June 6 and 7 to complement the visit's agenda.