The mission of the Sisters Adorers before Pope Leo XIV in Spain. The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain, from June 6 to 12, 2026, was a special opportunity to make visible the reality of so many people living in situations of vulnerability and to recognise the work of those who accompany them every day through different ministries of the Church.
The Adorer Family was present throughout the visit through sisters, lay collaborators, volunteers, students and educational communities from our schools, as well as women supported through our projects. This diverse presence reflects the richness of our shared mission and our commitment to continue building spaces of welcome, education, empowerment, and dignity.
Moreover, in two of the scheduled events, we had the opportunity to participate directly, bringing the voices and experiences of the women with whom we share our journey and presenting to the Holy Father some of the realities that shape our mission.
An encounter that leaves its mark in Madrid
On June 6, the Madrid project participated in the meeting that the Holy Father held with Madrid’s social ministry at the CEDIA Caritas 24-Hour Centre. Representing the project were Alicia, a volunteer from the shelter home, and two women connected to the project.
During the meeting, they had the opportunity to greet the Pope and present him with a cross made by the women of the shelter. It was a simple gift filled with meaning, reflecting their life stories, faith, hopes, and gratitude.
The experience was marked by emotion and closeness. One participant later shared:
“I do not have enough words to explain what I felt when the Pope shook my hand. It was a wonderful and deeply moving moment. From the moment I was offered the opportunity, I was excited, nervous, and eager, but I never expected such an intense experience. Being close to him, speaking with him, and receiving his greeting was something exceptional and unforgettable.”
Another woman expressed:
“Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to live such a beautiful and special experience. It was a great honour for me to represent the Sisters Adorers at such a unique meeting. Seeing the Pope so closely was already very moving, but having him hold my hand was a moment I will always carry in my heart.”
Their reflections show the value of simple gestures of welcome, recognition, and closeness that can sow hope and strengthen journeys of recovery and dignity.
Giving voice to women survivors of trafficking in Barcelona
A few days later, on June 10, Sister Encarna, a Sister Adorer, spoke during Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with diocesan charitable and social ministries held at Saint Augustine Church in the Raval district of Barcelona.
Drawing from her experience accompanying women survivors of human trafficking in the Sisters Adorers project in Barcelona, she shared with the Pope the reality faced by many women who leave their countries fleeing violence, conflict, or poverty and end up trapped in situations of exploitation. She also recalled that, in addition to the violence they have endured, many face displacement, loneliness, and difficulties accessing fundamental rights such as housing, decent work, and full social inclusion.
Her intervention highlighted the importance of remaining close to the most vulnerable, accompanying long and complex recovery processes, denouncing situations of injustice, and promoting alternatives that restore dignity to life.
As she expressed during her testimony:
“Along this journey, I have learned with them that accompanying means supporting without abandoning, recognising every small step, and remaining trusting in the God of Life even when the horizon is not yet visible. That is why today we need seeds of hope.”
Sister Encarna concluded by acknowledging the strength of so many women who have survived trafficking, describing them as:
“Women capable of celebrating life and showing us that evil does not have the final word.”
Following her testimony, she had the opportunity to greet the Holy Father personally and share a brief conversation with him.
Seeds of hope
The encounters with Leo XIV in Madrid and Barcelona made it possible to bring forward the reality of so many women whom the Adorer Family accompanies every day and to renew our commitment to continue walking alongside them, defending their dignity and offering real opportunities.
From the Sisters Adorers, we thank Pope Leo XIV for his closeness, his attentive listening, and his constant call to place the most vulnerable at the centre. His presence and messages have encouraged us to continue building paths of justice and dignity.
We return from these encounters grateful for every story shared, every gesture of closeness, and every word of encouragement received from the Holy Father. We continue walking, as Church, alongside the most vulnerable women, convinced that even in the midst of the most difficult situations, it is always possible to sow hope.
