Pope Leo XIV was greeted by massive crowds in Madrid on Sunday as he began a five-day tour of Spain, focusing on meeting vulnerable people such as migrants and the homeless, and promoting what he called 'genuine human values.'
According to the Vatican and local organizers, over 1.2 million people lined the streets of central Madrid, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. The 70-year-old American traveled in the popemobile along the Paseo de la Castellana to the Plaza de Cibeles, a square famous for Real Madrid fan celebrations.
Crowds threw flower petals, waved flags, and chanted 'Long live the Pope!' as he arrived for an open-air mass. In his sermon, Leo said: 'This is not an exhibition, a remnant of folklore or a simple display of beauty. It is a profession of faith in the presence of the risen Lord.' He added that God 'identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken.'
On Saturday, the Pope was welcomed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Madrid's mayor handed him the keys to the city. Leo wrote in a guest book: 'May Madrid remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by genuine human values.' He later met with migrants and homeless people, and held a vigil with some 600,000 young Catholics.
'I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety,' said Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian who arrived in Spain six months ago. Laura Peralta, a 46-year-old school councillor from Andalusia, told AFP: 'These are good teachings, whether we believe in him or not. They are humanitarian teachings.'
The Pope will stay in Spain until June 12, with visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands planned, where he is expected to meet migrants who risked their lives crossing from West Africa. He urged politicians to stop dividing their electorates and said he hoped his visit would set an example of respect for 'every human being.'
Spain remains a traditional Catholic stronghold, but only 53% of the population now identifies as Catholic — down 20% from 15 years ago. Just 16% consider themselves practicing Catholics. Nevertheless, Sunday's crowd was roughly twice the size of the one that celebrated Real Madrid's last Champions League win in 2024.
Source: www.dw.com