Statue of Pope John Paul II

It was a very special visit, as it was the first time a Pope had visited Alba de Tormes, attracting thousands of faithful and pilgrims from all corners of the country. John XXIII and Benedict XV visited the town before they had yet assumed the papal tiara.

John Paul II was deeply attracted to the figures of Saint Teresa and Saint John of the Cross due to his close relationship with the Carmelite family, and he also dedicated his doctoral thesis to the saint.

The day of November 1st began on the esplanade by the Tormes River and then moved to the Church of the Annunciation, where he visited the Carmelite Mothers, who showed him the Convent and the holy relics of the heart and arm. The Holy Father had the opportunity to pray in the cell where the saint died.

The bronze sculpture on a stone pedestal was made by sculptor Nieves Charques Medina in 1985 and is located next to the door of the Teresian Basilica.