Bruna Vall Galn, 8, gave a unique welcome to Catalonia to Pope Leo XIV Tuesday night - from the top of a nearly 10-meter (33-foot) human tower created at the start of Leo's prayer vigil in Barcelona.

Human towers, or "castells" in the Catalan language, are not only a feat of equilibrium, strength and teamwork, but a crucial part of the proud identity in this northeastern Spanish region.

One of the most celebrated groups to uphold this tradition, the Castellers de Vilafranca, was tapped to perform for the pope during his seven-day trip to Spain and allowed The Associated Press to tag along on their journey, from the long bus ride to the backstage jitters to the sweaty, grinning high-fives after Leo's applause.