Olympic Stadium opens doors to thousands for Pope's prayer vigil

Thousands of devotees have gathered at Barcelona's Olympic Stadium for the prayer vigil with the Pope.

Around 40,000 believers are expected to pack the stadium.

The earliest of the faithful and curious started to arrive shortly after 4pm when doors opened, with musical performances starting at 6pm.

The arrival of the Holy Father is scheduled for a few minutes before 8pm, during which time a performance by the Castellers de Vilafranca and a welcome by the Cardinal and Archbishop of Barcelona, ​​Joan Josep Omella, is also planned.

Leo XIV will deliver a few words after the reading of the Gospel and the event will culminate with performances by the Escolania de Montserrat and Sergio Dalma and a tour of the Stadium by the Pope.

The Pope arrived in Barcelona earlier on Tuesday afternoon, and said a prayer in the Barcelona Cathedral, before offering a few words of Catalan in greetings to people outside.