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Pope celebrates open-air Mass in Madrid
Over one million people gathered in the Spanish capital on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV led an open-air Mass, marking the second day of his official visit to the country, organizers reported.
Papal procession through Madrid
The pontiff traveled through central Madrid in his popemobile, greeting crowds that waved Spanish and Vatican flags. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia attended the morning service at Plaza de Cibeles, where worshippers showered the pope with flower petals upon his arrival.
Call for active faith and compassion
In his sermon, Pope Leo XIV urged attendees to live out their faith by aiding the marginalized, emphasizing that God stands with "the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken."
"Religion should not be a museum of the past to visit, but a school of faith from which to draw even today."
Pope Leo XIV
Security and celebrations
Authorities implemented extensive security measures for the Mass and subsequent procession. Streets were adorned with banners featuring the pope's image and thousands of white and yellow carnations, reflecting the Vatican flag's colors.
Youth vigil and political praise
On Saturday evening, approximately 500,000 people, predominantly young, attended a prayer vigil near Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where the pope called on them to be "sparks of a new humanity" amid global conflicts and indifference.
Earlier that day, he commended Spain's stance on peace and migration during a reception at the royal palace, aligning with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's opposition to recent wars and support for migrants.
Voices from the crowd
Marta Perez, 30, told AFP she attended to "meet Jesus Christ through the words of the Pope," describing his visit as a mission of love and goodness.
"He's trying to help all of us. There's so much polarization in politics, society, and the economy."
Ana Milagros, 64
Upcoming engagements
Pope Leo XIV's week-long trip includes an unprecedented address to the Spanish parliament and a meeting with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Later in the week, he will travel to the Canary Islands with Prime Minister Sánchez to honor migrants who died attempting to reach Europe.
