Yesterday, Tuesday, 26 May, the Spanish Government approved a royal decree-law declaring Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic visit to the country as an “exceptional event of special public interest”. The Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, Elma Saiz, emphasised on the Spanish Government’s website that “this is a ‘historic’ event as 15 years have passed since the last visit by a Pope to Spain. The apostolic journey will be an opportunity to convey to the world the values that form the foundation of our democracy: coexistence, pluralism and solidarity, which are clearly linked to the message that Pope Leo XIV is spreading”. The declaration of an “event of exceptional public interest” allows for the application of tax deductions provided for by Spanish law for donations covering organisational costs. Specifically, according to the website www.donoamiiglesia.es, citizens will be able to make donations and contributions while claiming a tax deduction of 80% on the first 250 euros and 40% on any additional amount. Similarly, tax deductions can be claimed for donations made by private companies, foundations, and other social institutions, whether in the form of monetary contributions or in-kind contributions (such as providing security services or IT support).