Pope Francis: say NO to the desecration of the Valley of the Fallen

The largest cross in the world, a symbol of peace, unity and reconciliation, is in danger!

In recent years, we have seen increasing hostility and persecution towards Christianity; this is just the latest of these attacks.

The Spanish Government wants to secularise the Valley of the Fallen and re-brand the Cross as a symbol of fascism.

The Valley of the Fallen is a world heritage site built as a place of unity and reconciliation after the Spanish Civil War. Over 30,000 victims of the war from both sides are buried there, some of whom have been recognised as Martyrs. It is also the home of an underground basilica, a Benedictine monastery, and the largest cross in the world. The 500-foot cross that towers over the site is a reminder of God’s peace, love, and mercy.

Now, it is being branded as a fascist symbol of hate, persecution and division by Sanchez and his government.

A special commission led by President Sánchez has been set up to take over and ‘resignify’ The Valley of The Fallen. They aim to dissolve the monastery, secularise the site and turn it into a ‘museum’ documenting the horrors of fascism.

The Valley of the Fallen was built on an agreement between the Holy Sea and the Spanish government, building a place for healing after years of war and unrest. Its founding documents specifically exclude political activity, yet the Spanish government wants to turn it into a site of left-wing propaganda.

Sanchez's plans are far from promoting peace and reconciliation. They will re-open healed wounds and sow seeds of division. The left targets peace, unity and forgiveness and promotes division, hate and destruction.

This is more than an attack a historic landmark; it's an attack on Christianity.

Allowing a hostile government to take over religious spaces and link the very symbol of Christianity, the cross, with fascism sets a dangerous precedent. Today, it's about a cross; tomorrow, it could be about interfering with doctrine, dictating what can and cannot be said, or controlling which priests or pastors can officiate liturgy.

We must not allow the cross to be redefined as a symbol of fascism. If Sanchez succeeds, other countries across the world will follow his lead.

The only one who can stop this is Pope Francis, who is responsible for the Benedictine Basilica. He must defend the Church and the Benedictines from this attack to erase our faith and history.

If he allows the cross to be destroyed, Christians will see their rights and beliefs trampled by a hostile government, setting a dark precedent at a time when Christian beliefs are more threatened than ever.

A religious leader of the Pope's importance must set an example of resistance to abuses of power and lead the battle in defence of the faith against those who seek to destroy the truth.

We need your help to urge the Pope to stand against this injustice.

Time is running out! Negotiations between the Spanish government and the Vatican are happening now. We must voice our disagreement and protect this sacred site. If the Vatican agrees to Sanchez's terms, it will be too late. We need to act immediately.

There is hope, but only if we act now.

We need a significant effort to make a difference. The more signatures we gather, the stronger our message to the Pope. It's a race against time, but together, we can save this monumental site.

Sign our petition now, asking Pope Francis to protect these sacred spaces from destruction.

Thank you for standing with us.

More information:

1. El Gobierno anuncia que el 2 de julio constituirá la comisión para desacralizar el Valle de los Caídos. 20/06/2024. La Gaceta.https://gaceta.es/espana/el-gobierno-anuncia-que-constituira-el-2-de-julio-la-comision-para-desacralizar-el-valle-de-los-caidos-y-expulsar-a-los-monjes-benedictinos-20240620-1244/


2. New Spanish Law threatens the future of wold’s largest cross and its employees. 29/11/2022. Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252934/new-spanish-law-threatens-future-of-worlds-largest-cross-and-its-employees


3. Vocales del CGPJ avisan de que echar a los monjes del Valle de los Caídos iría contra el Concordato. 08/06/2021. El Independiente. https://www.elindependiente.com/espana/2021/06/08/vocales-del-cgpj-avisan-de-que-echar-a-los-monjes-del-valle-de-los-caidos-iria-contra-el-concordato/


4. Defend a Cross, an altar and some monks. 11/07/2024. Exaudi Catholic News. https://www.exaudi.org/defend-a-cross-an-altar-and-some-monks/