Pope Leo XIV was greeted by massive crowds in the Spanish capital on Sunday, as over a million people filled the streets around the famous Cibeles Square. The Vatican and local organizers say about 1.2 million brave souls showed up despite the heat. It was the second day of the pope’s weeklong journey across mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.
People pressed against barriers waving flags and shouting “Long live the pope” as Leo arrived in his white popemobile. Some even threw flower petals to celebrate the moment. The square is normally known as the place where Real Madrid fans gather to celebrate their team’s wins, but on Sunday it belonged to the faithful.
The pope was given the key to the city by Madrid’s mayor. He wrote in the guestbook, “May Madrid continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by true human values.”
Leo started his trip on Saturday by meeting migrants and homeless people. He also attended a huge vigil with about 600,000 young people. This is his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy. He said he hopes the trip sets an example for the world about respecting every human being. He also urged leaders to stop dividing electorates.
The pope’s visit runs from June 6 to 12. He will also stop in Barcelona and the Canary Islands. In the Canary Islands, he plans to meet migrants and refugees who risked their lives crossing from West Africa.
One woman in the crowd, Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old from Peru who arrived in Spain six months ago, was waiting in a wheelchair with her daughter. She said, “I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety.”
After mass on Sunday, the pope had a private meeting with members of his Augustinian religious order. Later, he met with stars from entertainment, sports, and culture at a concert venue in central Madrid.
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