Pedro Sanchez has come under fire after partying at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound festival on the same day Pope Leo XIV began a historic visit to Spain.
Sanchez, alongside King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, greeted Pope Leo after he touched down at Madrid-Barajas airport in the morning of Saturday June 6.
The Spanish premier later headed to Barcelona’s Primavera Sound festival, missing the Mass and Corpus Christi procession in Madrid – a historic event marking the first time a pope has led the celebration outside Italy.
The move has drawn criticism with Miguel Angel Garcia Martin, a member of the Comunidad de Madrid’s regional government, describing the decision as ‘inappropriate’.
“I deeply regret that Mr. Sanchez is not rising to the occasion. In any case, the most important thing, and what we must highlight, is that the people of Madrid have welcomed the Holy Father,” he continued.
Sanchez has not responded to the comments but did take to social media to praise Barcelona’s flagship music festival.
“Primavera Sound is so much more than music. It’s talent, creativity, and a way to show the world an open, diverse, and energetic Barcelona and Spain,” he said.
Sanchez continued: “Thank you to everyone who makes this possible year after year, and to the festival’s commitment to values such as peace, solidarity, and the defense of a culture that brings us closer and unites us.”
During his visit to Primavera, Sanchez attended a Gorillaz performance and met with the band’s frontman, Damon Albarn, also known as the lead singer of Blur.
Gorillaz’s Primavera performance opened with a speech by Palestinian activist Arab Barghouti which Sanchez later praised on social media writing, “Thank you for speaking out.”
During an interview with festival organisers Sanchez also applauded musicians who take political stances, citing Bruce Springsteen as an example: “Protesting against an immigration policy that persecutes immigrants is inspiring,” he said.
Sanchez’s wife Begoña Gomez and the president of the Catalan government, Salvador Illa, also attended the festival.
After returning to Madrid, Sanchez held a meeting with Pope Leo ahead of his address to Congress.
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