The National Police detained three activists from the PETA organisation last Wednesday, who were disguised as nuns near the Sagrada Família during Pope Leo XIV's visit to Barcelona. The women, who had been under surveillance by the authorities since Madrid, were suspected of planning an action against the Pontiff, which led to their arrest after being seen conducting surveillance shifts in the areas where he was expected to appear.
Detention and background of the group
The three activists were arrested by agents from the General Information Police Station and the Provincial Information Brigade, who confirmed that the group had been under observation due to their previous intentions. According to police sources, these women are part of the ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ collective, known for their campaigns defending animal rights. On previous occasions, PETA had already carried out direct actions against Leo XIV, including a mass petition —200,000 signatures— urging the Pope to condemn bullfighting.
Despite the activists' thwarted attempt, some managed to display anti-bullfighting signs during the papal motorcade along Rosselló Street. This highlights a continuing pattern of protests directed at religious figures and significant public events.
Investigators believe that the group's original goal was to stage a bolder act: to strip in front of the Pope as he passed by on Rosselló Street. This suspicion is based on the fact that one of the detainees was not wearing any clothing under the religious habit. After their arrest, the activists were taken to the police station located in Verneda, where they chose not to make a statement to the officers. They were eventually released pending a summons from a judge.
This is not the first time disruptive attempts have occurred during papal visits; this incident marks the second thwarted attempt by police forces during this specific visit. Previously, a large group of about 500 choristers was also prevented from displaying independence flags and singing ‘Els Segadors’ at the end of a mass held by Leo XIV at the Sagrada Família.
These events highlight not only the tensions between activist groups and prominent religious figures like the Pope but also the ongoing efforts by the Spanish government to maintain public order during highly symbolic and media-covered visits.
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