AGP Executive Report

Pope Leo XIV wraps Spain visit: Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome after a week in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat and the Canary Islands, thanking Spain’s people, King Felipe VI and the bishops, and ending with a final call to “lift up your gaze” at Tenerife’s Port of Santa Cruz. Sagrada Família milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed and inaugurated the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, calling the basilica a “masterpiece of stones, colors and light” and urging people to look to Christ for truth and hope. Migration and conflict message: During the trip, he sharply criticized traffickers and “monsters” in the seas, warned against war and exclusion, and urged migrants to integrate while warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival. Montserrat in the spotlight: The pope also prayed at Montserrat and used a rosary given by a young couple—then kept it and later prayed with it. Local opportunity: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its waters. Women’s workshop: EMERGE, a free faith-based workshop for women, runs June 13 at the Montserrat Public Library. Regional training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialized services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat.

Papal Visit Wrap-Up: Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome after a week in Spain, ending in Tenerife with a final message urging people to “lift up your gaze,” and thanking Spain for the welcome he received. Sagrada Família Milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, calling the basilica a “masterpiece of stones, colors and light” and stressing that Christians cannot promote war or abandon the vulnerable. Montserrat Spotlight: During the trip, Leo entrusted his pontificate to Our Lady of Montserrat and held a Montserrat service where he altered the “El Virolai” lyrics; he also prayed with a rosary from a young couple and later used the same rosary. Local Opportunity: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone. Regional Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat. Community Event: Women in Montserrat are invited to the free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library on June 13. Sports Note: Germany take on Curacao in World Cup 2026 Group E, with Curacao having beaten Montserrat 7-0.

Montserrat & UK Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to marine science support for habitats like coral reefs, seagrass meadows and hawksbill turtles. Regional Training & Services: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialized services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) for Montserrat and other member states, aimed at strengthening resilience and negotiating skills. Faith & Community in Montserrat: Women are invited to the free “EMERGE” workshop (June 13, 2:00–4:30 p.m.) at the Montserrat Public Library, with biblical reflection and journaling led by Vanessa Farrell. Pope Leo XIV in Spain: Pope Leo XIV blessed the new Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família during Gaudí’s centenary, urging peace and warning against war and abandoning migrants. Local Sports: Former Colchester United midfielder Brandon Comley has signed for Barnet on a free transfer, adding another Montserrat international to the squad. World Football: Germany face Curaçao in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E on Sunday (June 14) in Houston.

Pope Leo XIV in Spain: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a weeklong visit with a final Mass in Tenerife and a message to “lift up your gaze,” after a return flight rerouted when a technical issue forced him onto King Felipe VI’s private plane. Sagrada Família milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, calling Gaudí’s masterpiece “stones, colors and light,” and urged people not to “promote war” or “kill the innocent.” Migration and justice: Across Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, he sharply criticized traffickers and “monsters” fueling deadly migration routes, while also meeting abuse victims and calling for a safer Church. Montserrat connection: The Pope entrusted his pontificate to Our Lady of Montserrat and prayed with a rosary linked to a couple’s visit to the abbey. Local and regional news: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, and women are invited to a free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library on June 13. Regional training: OECS says Antigua will host a specialized services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat.

Montserrat & UK Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its waters and gaining scientific support to help safeguard coral reefs, seagrass and hawksbill turtles. Regional Training: The OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) for Montserrat and other OECS members, aimed at boosting resilience and competitiveness. Faith & Community: Women in Montserrat are invited to the free “EMERGE” workshop (June 13, 2:00–4:30 p.m.) at the Public Library, led by Wellness Coach Vanessa Farrell, with biblical reflection and journaling. Education Pathways: AUAACAS in Antigua is running a free medical-school bootcamp with a direct pathway, including a tuition grant for eligible students. Pope Leo XIV in Spain: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain visit after a plane technical issue forced a return on King Felipe VI’s aircraft, and he used the trip to press for peace, migrant support and stronger compassion.

Pope’s Spain send-off: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his weeklong visit in Tenerife, urging the world to “lift up your gaze” and warning against a “silent shipwreck” for migrants while calling for real integration. Sagrada Família milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed and inaugurated the new Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, marking Gaudí’s 100th death anniversary with a Mass, fireworks, and a message that Christians “cannot believe in Jesus and promote war.” Montserrat connection: During the Montserrat stop, the Pope entrusted his ministry to Our Lady of Montserrat (“La Moreneta”), tying the devotion to his own parish in Peru and leading rosary prayers. Local relevance—marine conservation: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining conservation support. Justice in Barcelona: Prosecutors in the Mango founder Isak Andic case say Jonathan Andic could flee, citing his financial resources as the investigation continues. Public service staffing: Overseas Territories leaders met in Bermuda on recruitment struggles for civil service roles, with Montserrat among the participants.

Montserrat in the spotlight: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific and technical support. Church & community: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a major Barcelona leg by blessing the newly completed Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Família, calling it a “sign of unity” and urging people to lift their gaze to Christ; the Mass also marked the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. Faith in action: During his visit, the Pope told prisoners that “every human being is worthy,” stressing that the past doesn’t condemn the future. Local governance & jobs: Overseas Territories deputy governors met in Bermuda to confront civil service recruitment problems, with Montserrat among the territories represented. Public safety: A man was shot dead outside a Barcelona police station in a second fatal shooting within a week, with police searching for a suspect. Education: Milton Arts Guild awarded its inaugural Dr. Sue Dutton Scholarship to Ted Hart, who will study illustration at Montserrat College of Art.

Papal Spotlight on Peace and Migrants: Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, calling it “stones, colors and light” and urging people not to “promote war” or abandon those fleeing misery; the ceremony marked Gaudí’s 100th death anniversary and drew Spain’s top leaders. Montserrat Connection: During his Barcelona-area visit, the pope entrusted his ministry to Our Lady of Montserrat (“La Moreneta”), prayed the rosary at the abbey, and shared a personal link to the devotion from his time in Peru. Prison Visit Message: Before the Sagrada Familia Mass, he visited Brians 1 penitentiary, telling inmates “every human being is worthy” and that past mistakes don’t condemn the future. Local Relevance for Montserrat: Montserrat joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support. Security Update: A man was shot dead outside a Barcelona police station, the second fatal shooting in days, with police searching for the suspect.

Pope in Montserrat: Pope Leo XIV made a pilgrimage to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, entrusting his ministry to “La Moreneta” and urging the faithful to look to Christ for justice and peace. Sagrada Família milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, marking the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and crowning the basilica as the world’s tallest church. Peace and politics: In his homily, the pope urged Christians not to “promote war” or abandon people fleeing misery, delivering a veiled swipe at Donald Trump. Prison visit: He visited Brians 1 penitentiary, telling inmates “every human being is worthy” and that the past does not condemn the future. Local angle for Montserrat readers: The pope also highlighted Montserrat’s spiritual role in Catalonia, including a Montserrat choir performance. Security note: A man was shot dead outside a police station in Barcelona; police said it was not linked to the pope’s visit.

Papal Spotlight on Montserrat and Catalonia: Pope Leo XIV continued his Spain visit with a pilgrimage to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, where he prayed the rosary, thanked Catalonia for welcoming migrants (“one family”), and entrusted his ministry to “La Moreneta.” He also praised the monks’ “gift of silence,” and at the abbey urged people to “lay down our armour and unmask violence,” including in words and social media. Sagrada Família Milestone: In Barcelona, crowds packed the streets for Mass at the Sagrada Família on the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, as the basilica’s final Tower of Jesus Christ was blessed—now the world’s tallest church at 172.5 metres. Local Safety Concern: Separate from the papal events, Barcelona saw a deadly shooting outside a police station, with a manhunt underway. Community and Faith in Custody: The pope also visited prisons, telling inmates “every human being is worthy” and that mistakes don’t define the future. Tech/Business Note: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year.

Montserrat Policy: The Montserrat Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent and sustainable retirement system, with a 17-member committee and technical support from TELUS Health. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using new scientific and technical support to expand marine protection and improve fisheries management. Tourism Ease: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors pick dates and pay securely in advance. Pope in Spain (Global): Pope Leo XIV arrived in Barcelona for events tied to the Sagrada Família tower inauguration and spoke in Catalan, while also meeting abuse survivors in Madrid and calling for stronger safeguarding. Sports & Culture (Global): José Carreras announced a Brisbane 2032 Olympics concert for Dec. 5, and Caitlin Foord marked her 150th Matildas appearance with a goal in Australia’s 3-1 win over Mexico.

CARICOM Sports: Montserrat athletes and fans can look ahead to the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk, with elite and open events (10K and 5K) plus 5K options for people with disabilities, set for Sunday, 5 July 2026 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, as part of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting chaired by Saint Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre. Montserrat Tourism: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors pick dates and pay securely in advance for experiences like the Blackwood Allen Trail, Katy Hill climbs, volcano and Plymouth viewing tours, and early birdwatching for the Montserrat Oriole. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and boosting marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine laws. Wildlife Reminder: Turtle nesting season is underway through October, and residents are urged to keep noise and lights low at night so nesting females can lay eggs safely. Church & Global Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Barcelona speaking Catalan and is set to visit Montserrat and inaugurate the Sagrada Familia tower, while abuse-survivor groups in Spain continue to press for broader inclusion in Vatican meetings.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, aiming to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and boost marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine laws. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, a new look at Montserrat’s preparedness asks residents a simple question: would your household cope if a major storm hit tomorrow, especially if phones and power fail. Church & Accountability: Pope Leo XIV met six clergy abuse survivors in Spain and urged bishops to strengthen safeguarding and offer reparations, though some survivor groups say they were left out. Pope Visit in Barcelona: As Pope Leo arrives in Barcelona for major events including Montserrat and Mass at the Sagrada Família, the city is rolling out major traffic and public transport changes, while protests—secular, separatist, and labour—are planned alongside the official schedule. Local Economy: Montserrat is seeking fresh funding after nearly fully deploying its EC$2 million MBPF soft-loan programme, with 39 loans approved and no defaults reported.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using UK-backed science to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway, with residents urged to keep noise down at night, park away from beaches, and avoid disturbing lights that can cause endangered turtles to abandon nesting. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground changes, gas emissions, and seismic activity—so preparedness still matters. Hurricane Readiness: With hurricane season beginning June 1, officials stress household readiness, especially backup power and offline document copies, since modern life can fail fast when electricity goes out. Local Economy: The Government is seeking new funding to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after deploying an initial EC$2 million to 39 loans across 11 sectors. Church & Accountability: Pope Leo XIV met abuse survivors in Spain and urged bishops to listen and offer reparations, while some victim groups protested they were not invited. Papal Visit in Spain: His Madrid Mass drew over a million people, and his trip is also focused on migrants and reducing division.

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework as a roadmap for protecting lives and livelihoods, warning that the Caribbean’s risk landscape keeps evolving with hurricanes, earthquakes, sargassum and oil spills. Local Finance: Montserrat’s Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, with EC$1.94 million already issued through 39 loans and no defaults reported. Hurricane Season Watch: A new guide for Montserrat residents says hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov 30, with NOAA forecasting a below-average season but stressing that one storm is enough to matter. Pope Leo in Spain: Pope Leo XIV drew more than a million to Mass in Madrid and urged Europe to acknowledge Christianity’s cultural role, while Spanish victim groups complained they were not invited to meet him. Church Abuse Meeting: The Vatican confirmed a private meeting with clergy abuse victims will happen during the visit, with details released only after it concludes. Vatican Comms Appointment: Women in the Vatican welcomed Maria Montserrat Alvarado’s appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.

Pope Leo XIV in Spain: More than a million people packed Madrid for Pope Leo XIV’s Mass on Corpus Christi, as he urged Europe to acknowledge Christianity’s role in culture and called for religious expression in public life. Migration and division: The Vatican says the Pope will meet migrants and also clerical abuse survivors during the June 6–12 trip, with speeches expected to tackle wars, polarization and human dignity. Montserrat link: The itinerary includes a stop at Montserrat Monastery, keeping the island in the spotlight during the visit. Local economy: Montserrat’s Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying an initial EC$2 million, with 39 loans approved across 11 sectors and no defaults reported. Hurricane season watch: A guide to the 2026 Atlantic season notes Montserrat should stay alert—one storm is enough—even as NOAA forecasts a below-average season.