The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, José Cobo, presented his new pastoral project for the 2026-2027 academic year on Monday, which includes a territorial reorganisation with new vicarages and the celebration of a Diocesan Youth Assembly in February 2027.
Cardinal José Cobo has taken up the challenge posed by Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Madrid last April. The pastoral plan, presented yesterday, aims to ensure that those days do not remain merely a memory but translate into a real transformation of the Church in Madrid. The theme for the upcoming year, “Let us lift our gaze together”, is a direct nod to the slogan of the papal pilgrimage: “Lift up your gaze”.
Territorial reorganisation and new parishes
The plan announces the implementation of new vicarages and archpriesthoods to adapt the ecclesial structure to current needs. The Archdiocese of Madrid faces a demographic challenge: while the pews of churches are emptying, the population in the periphery is growing due to migration. During his visit, the Pope blessed the first stones of 17 new parishes that are being established in the Community of Madrid.
According to the Archdiocese, a triple conversion is sought: missionary, synodal, and territorial. This involves particularly caring for the reception during celebrations for those arriving for the first time or returning to the Church, with the aim of ensuring they find open and welcoming communities. In parallel, a catechetical itinerary for adults wishing to be baptised will be implemented.
Youth involvement and assembly in February
The plan focuses on youth. A Diocesan Youth Assembly is scheduled to take place from February 19 to 21, 2027. This event aims to engage young people in the life of the Church and provide them with spaces for participation.
Additionally, the so-called Diocesan Laity and Pastoral Agents initiative will be promoted, which is a Christian and pastoral training itinerary for those wishing to take on responsibilities in the communities. This initiative reinforces Cardinal Cobo's commitment to work teams over individual bodies, following the style of Pope Francis.
Social dialogue and attention to the poor
The plan also embodies the spirit of the meeting at the Movistar Arena, where the importance of the Church in the cultural sphere and dialogue between unions and employers was highlighted. Cobo wants the Church to be a driving force for dialogue in civil society.
Attention to the poor occupies a central place. Following the Pope's warning that “no one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother”, the network of diocesan listening centres will be strengthened. Priorities include pastoral care for migrants, support for the elderly, and those suffering from unwanted loneliness.
Beatification of eleven martyrs in November
Among the planned events, the beatification of eleven martyrs on November 28 at the Almudena Cathedral stands out. These include nine seminarians, a priest, and a layperson who died during the religious persecution of the Civil War. For the Archdiocese, it is an occasion to present the Christian vocation as a call to give one's life.
Cardinal Cobo has emphasised that this plan is not a closed document, but an open roadmap for the participation of all the faithful. The new vicarages and the youth assembly are the first steps on a path aimed at revitalising the Church in Madrid.
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