Over a Million Worshippers Turn Out for Pope Leo’s Largest Gathering Yet in Spain
MADRID — More than one million people gathered in central Madrid on Sunday to attend an outdoor Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, in what has become the biggest event of his ongoing visit to Spain.
The service, held near the city’s landmark Plaza de Cibeles, drew an estimated 1.2 million worshippers, according to Vatican officials and local organisers.
Crowds lined the streets surrounding the square hours before the Mass began, waving flags and cheering as the Pope arrived in his white popemobile.
Some pilgrims tossed flower petals while others chanted greetings as he made his way through the packed venue.
During his homily, Pope Leo urged Catholics to put their faith into action by supporting the poor, the vulnerable and those living on the margins of society.
He said God identifies with people who are suffering, including those who feel abandoned, isolated or forgotten.
Earlier in the day, the pontiff was formally welcomed by Madrid city authorities and presented with the symbolic key to the city.
In a message written in the city’s guestbook, he expressed hope that Madrid would continue to be an open and inclusive place where public life is guided by respect for human dignity.
The Pope has repeatedly used his visit to call for greater social unity and respect for every individual, while cautioning against political and social divisions.
His trip to Spain, which runs from June 6 to June 12, is his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Since arriving in Spain, Pope Leo has met with migrants, homeless people and young Catholics. On Saturday evening, he joined hundreds of thousands of young people for a prayer vigil in Madrid.
Migration has remained a central theme of the visit. The Pope is expected to travel to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants who crossed dangerous sea routes from West Africa in search of safety and new opportunities.
Among those attending Sunday’s Mass was Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian migrant who recently settled in Spain. She said she was pleased to hear the Pope speak about migrants and their wellbeing.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo was scheduled to meet members of his Augustinian religious order before attending an event bringing together personalities from the worlds of sport, entertainment and culture.
The Madrid gathering is expected to stand as one of the largest public events of the Pope’s visit and underscores the strong turnout that has greeted him throughout his week-long stay in Spain.
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