ISIS-related online threats ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain
As reported on 2 June, a media outlet of the so-called Islamic State posted an online threat which appeared to be targeting Pope Leo XIV in anticipation of his visit to Spain and the start of the World Cup. Following the circulation of the image, local groups urged the government to take effective counterterrorism measures.
As reported on 2 June, a media outlet a media outlet of the so-called Islamic State posted posted an image of Pope Leo XIV with a threatening caption ahead of his papal visit to Spain and the start of the World Cup on 11 June. Reportedly, the content included the words: "Attack the Pope and his stadiums. May God punish them and humiliate them." Further, the main text of the image called the visit "two-faced", making key references to the Pope's itinerary while in Spain. The image reportedly depicts a decaying papal figure holding a football with the FIFA logo covered in blood as he stands under Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium which he plans to visit on 8 June. The figure is also standing next to the Basicilia of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona where he intends to say Holy Mass on 10 June.
The message has raised terrorism concerns and heightened fears among organisations monitoring religious freedom in Spain.