Spanish PM Sánchez greeted by the Curia at the Sagrada Familia
Pedro Sánchez's visit to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia sparks criticism over the Curia's greeting and his ministers' educational ties to religious schools.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Pedro Sánchez and the Curia: the odd reception at the Sagrada Familia that enrages the right
The image of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez being greeted by members of the Curia inside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has triggered a political storm. A video shows Sánchez being welcomed by a group of clerics and altar servers in what appears to be a protocolary event, but critics have interpreted it as a gesture of complicity with an institution the left usually vilifies.
The encounter, which took place inside the basilica, has been described by some as "staged" and "lacking spontaneity", while others point out that only one attendant called the prime minister by his nickname, while the rest shook his hand like any other visitor. But what has drawn the most attention are the educational connections of two key ministers: Óscar Puente, educated at the San Agustinos school, and Ione Belarra, at the Claret Larraona, both religious institutions. This has led to speculation about a possible "special mission" for Puente to deliver something to the Pope, though there is no official confirmation.
The irony has not gone unnoticed: a left that declares itself largely atheist and critical of the Catholic Church now appears comfortable under the vaults of Gaudí's basilica. "The mental confusion of the Spanish left has reached the point where they are atheists and papist fanatics at the same time," sums up one of the most widely shared analyses. Meanwhile, the right wonders whether this gesture does not deal a blow to its own narrative: shaking hands with Spain's largest NGO.
The awkward detail: despite the coolness of the greeting, the gesture reinforces the paradox of a government that needs the Church for budget deals while its electoral base rejects it. The anti-clerical left falls silent; the right rubs its hands.
Related discussions in the forum
The image of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez being greeted by members of the Curia inside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has triggered a political storm. A video shows Sánchez being welcomed by a group of clerics and altar servers in what appears to be a protocolary event, but critics have interpreted it as a gesture of complicity with an institution the left usually vilifies.
The encounter, which took place inside the basilica, has been described by some as "staged" and "lacking spontaneity", while others point out that only one attendant called the prime minister by his nickname, while the rest shook his hand like any other visitor. But what has drawn the most attention are the educational connections of two key ministers: Óscar Puente, educated at the San Agustinos school, and Ione Belarra, at the Claret Larraona, both religious institutions. This has led to speculation about a possible "special mission" for Puente to deliver something to the Pope, though there is no official confirmation.
The irony has not gone unnoticed: a left that declares itself largely atheist and critical of the Catholic Church now appears comfortable under the vaults of Gaudí's basilica. "The mental confusion of the Spanish left has reached the point where they are atheists and papist fanatics at the same time," sums up one of the most widely shared analyses. Meanwhile, the right wonders whether this gesture does not deal a blow to its own narrative: shaking hands with Spain's largest NGO.
The awkward detail: despite the coolness of the greeting, the gesture reinforces the paradox of a government that needs the Church for budget deals while its electoral base rejects it. The anti-clerical left falls silent; the right rubs its hands.
Related discussions in the forum
- Begoña first lady in BCN, Antonio gets a loan with Pedro and the PM — would they throw sulfur at both in Mass? · 31 replies
- Now seriously: how the HELL does the damn RELIGION still exist? · 371 replies
- If the PZO€ is banned, what name will they give the PZO€? Go on, make one up · 21 replies
- Today the Pope comes to whitewash and sanctify the whorehouse and the incivil organization that runs it. · 15 replies
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (16 replies).
More summaries
-
Óscar Puente gains ground as Sánchez's heir among Spain's Socialist grassroots
Óscar Puente's combative style is winning over Socialist Party members as Pedro Sánchez's possible successor. The move conceals an internal control strategy. "Data and…
-
Spain Rail Crash: No Resignations Despite Ouigo Warnings
45 dead in Adamuz crash. Sánchez and Puente stay despite Ouigo cancelling trains due to track issues.
-
Óscar Puente sees himself leading Spain's PSOE after Sánchez, party on edge
Óscar Puente does not rule out leading the PSOE after Sánchez: his combative profile divides the party and rekindles the succession battle.
-
Xabier Arrutia Imaz, ETA advisor to PDVSA in Venezuela, dies
The death of Xabier Arrutia Imaz in Venezuela exposes the protection network for ETA members in PDVSA and suspicions of a killing to silence secrets.
-
Ceuta resident on Sánchez: 'He'll get the welcome he deserves'
A Ceuta resident criticises Sánchez during Felipe VI's visit: 'Let him come, we'll give him the welcome he deserves.' The King is staying overnight in the Spanish city.
-
Police sources warn of 200,000 criminals at large outside Africa's prisons
Police sources quoted by OKDIARIO put the number of criminals at large in Africa seeking to reach Europe at 200,000, and name Spain as their main destination.