Following a ten-year high in STI diagnoses in the country, Spain’s Ministry of Health has announced the launch of a programme through which young people between the ages of 16 and 22 will be offered free condoms in local pharmacies. The initiative, which was announced on Monday by the Director General of Public Health of the Ministry of Health, Pedro Gullón, defines condoms as “a right” for young people.

A new announcement that aims to make condoms a ‘right’ to which young people are ‘entitled’

The initiative was announced in Madrid on Monday, June 8, as part of the Awareness and Update Day on Sexually Transmitted Infections, organised by the Ministry of Health. The plan not only aims to turn condoms into a basic right for young people, but plans to integrate them into daily life and normalise their use among teenagers and young adults, giving residents the assurance that they are available.

To be specific, Gullón highlighted that young people will be “entitled” to a box of condoms every set amount of time, using a monthly basis as an example.

3 million people to be reached with new initiative

This is not the first time Spain has launched an initiative that offers free condoms to young people, but according to Gullón, this edition of the launch is expected to reach some “three million people throughout Spain” and will make free condoms accessible in more pharmacies in the country. In order to carry out the initiative, the country will make a “purchase of condoms for all of Spain,” according to Gullón.

A bold move as condom price tags soar and STIs run rampant

The move is especially significant in today’s context, as condom prices have been surging across Europe, and gonorrhoea and syphilis are at an all-time high in Spain. As it stands, condoms are the only effective form of birth control that also protects against STIs and STDs.

This means that the usage of condoms by young and impressionable teens and young adults is not only a concern for teenage pregnancy and other health risks, but it is also a public health concern, especially ahead of peak season and the holiday partying culture in Spain.

This initiative also makes condoms more accessible for those who have limited resources, adding a safety net and peace of mind for those who want to avoid pregnancy and other health concerns that may arise from having unprotected sex.

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas has spoken passionately about the importance of Spain’s religious traditions during a high-profile meeting with Pope Leo XIV, describing Málaga’s famous Holy Week celebrations as a powerful blend of art, culture and devotion.

The Hollywood star addressed the pontiff during a special gathering in Madrid that brought together figures from the worlds of culture, sport, business and the arts. During his speech, Banderas reflected on his childhood experiences of Semana Santa in his hometown of Málaga, explaining how the annual processions first sparked his curiosity about faith.

Childhood memories of Málaga’s Holy Week

Banderas told Pope Leo that Spain’s Holy Week traditions are far more than religious ceremonies. He described them as public expressions of culture and community that fill streets with music, craftsmanship and emotion. According to the actor, witnessing the processions as a young boy led him to ask questions about God and spirituality that have remained with him throughout his life.

The actor has long been associated with Málaga’s Easter celebrations and regularly participates in the city’s processions. Earlier this year he joined Palm Sunday events in the Andalusian city, continuing a tradition he has maintained for more than two decades.

Pope’s visit celebrates Spain’s cultural heritage

The exchange took place during Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Spain, his first trip to the country as pontiff. The visit has drawn enormous crowds, with hundreds of thousands attending prayer vigils and more than a million people gathering for a major Mass in Madrid.

Banderas also used the occasion to highlight the role of artists in modern society, arguing that culture should encourage reflection, dialogue and understanding. He presented art as a force capable of challenging injustice and helping people connect in an increasingly fragmented world.

The actor’s comments complemented Pope Leo’s own message during the visit. The pontiff has repeatedly emphasised the importance of Europe’s Christian heritage, arguing that faith has played a central role in shaping the continent’s culture, education and institutions.

Fans were clearly wowed by the meeting, taking to social media to mark the moment. Adriana Chavez commented “What an incredible moment! Amazing!”, while Tessie Lebrun added “My idol movie actor, Antonio Banderas, with our belovedPope Leo XIV!! God bless you both!!”

For Banderas, the meeting offered an opportunity to showcase a side of Spain that extends beyond tourism and headlines: a country where centuries-old traditions continue to inspire new generations and remain deeply woven into local identity.