Leo XIV in Spain: Lay People Wait in "Listening Spaces" Instead of Sacrament of Confession

Worse than Germany: During Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain in June, the Archdiocese of Madrid will not be providing confessionals at any of the large-scale events or during the youth vigil.

Instead, 'listening spaces' staffed by lay pastoral workers who have received specific training for this purpose. These spaces will be located along Paseo de la Castellana.

Sara de la Torre, the press speaker for the Archdiocese of Madrid, told the Substack.com account ‘The Pillar’ that the “listening spaces” do not replace confessions, but complement them. Catholics should look to confess at any of Madrid's many parishes.

The “listening spaces” are intended for those who wish to have a conversation, and are “something different”.

On 6 June, during the youth vigil in Plaza de Lima, there will be no confessionals.

At previous church gatherings in recent decades, such as World Youth Days, the presence of priests hearing confessions was at least a sign of Catholicism and the sacrament of reconciliation.

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