The diocese of Orihuela-Alicante has received the announcement of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain with ""great joy"" . According to Pedro Payá, 38, this visit holds a ""very profound spiritual significance"", representing the visible presence of the universal Church. Payá, who served as a priest in Torrevieja and a trainer at the minor seminary in Orihuela, is responsible for coordinating the participation of approximately 850 young people, families, and adults from the diocese in the various events planned in Madrid between Friday the 5th and Sunday the 7th of June.

The diocese has organized several participation options, including attending only Sunday's mass, the entire weekend, or specifically the vigil and final Eucharist for young people. A preparatory diocesan meeting, both organizational and spiritual, has been held, and buses will depart from various points in the province. The trip is planned to be ""simple"", with accommodation in schools and travel on foot or by metro, emphasizing the experience of encountering the Pope.

Payá highlights Pope Leo XIV's ""serenity and clarity"", as well as his ""bravery"" in expressing what he believes the Church must say, ""without ties"" and with firmness. In a ""very turbulent"" international moment, the priest believes the pontiff plays a key role as a ""messenger of peace"" and a conciliatory figure, acting from the defense of human dignity and truth, without political or partisan interests.

Regarding his potential political influence as an American, Payá notes that the Pope ""is demonstrating that he is not tied to anyone"", speaking with freedom of conscience and defending justice from the Church's perspective. He also referred to the Pope's visit to the Canary Islands, emphasizing the Church's commitment to those who suffer, such as immigrants and victims of tragedies, and recalling that the papal message is a call to look at people and to personal conversion to change society.

Young people perceive the Pope as a ""close, joyful, and understanding"" person, who speaks to them about the importance of faith in community and cultivating Christian life, conveying serenity and stability. Payá is convinced that the Pope's visit always leaves ""fruit in conversions and vocations"", as has happened with previous pontiffs. He highlights the Pope's image as a ""shepherd close to his sheep"", who approaches people without fear and listens, generating tenderness despite his responsibilities as head of state.

As the most symbolic image of the trip, Payá points to the Corpus Christi procession in Madrid, where seeing the Pope accompanying the monstrance will be a ""very powerful and significant moment"" for the entire Church in Spain.