Huge crowds throng Madrid streets for Pope’s open-air Mass
Huge crowds throng Madrid streets for Pope's open-air Mass
Huge crowds throng Madrid streets for Pope - Over a million individuals filled the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV conducted an outdoor Mass in the Spanish capital, according to event organizers. The pontiff traveled through the city in his popemobile, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia present during the morning service. Attendees waved Spanish and Vatican flags, while others cheered "long live the Pope" as he arrived at the Plaza de Cibeles, where petals were tossed in celebration.
The Mass, held on the second day of the Pope's official visit, was marked by vibrant displays of unity. Central Madrid's streets were adorned with banners featuring the Pope's image and thousands of white and yellow carnations, matching the colors of the Vatican flag. Security measures were intensified to ensure the safety of the large gathering, reflecting the significance of the event.
Pope's Message on Faith and Service
During his sermon, Pope Leo XIV called on worshippers to embody their faith through acts of kindness, emphasizing that God "identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken." He urged attendees to see religion not as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic school of faith that continues to inspire action today.
"I have come to meet Jesus Christ through the words of the Pope," said Marta Perez, a 30-year-old attendee. "He's come to do good, with all his love."
"There is a lot of polarisation and differences in politics, in social matters, in the economy," added Ana Milagros, a 64-year-old supporter. "The Pope is trying to help all of us."
On Saturday, the Pope began his week-long visit with a prayer vigil near Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The gathering, which included approximately 500,000 participants—mostly young people—continued into the night. He urged them to be "sparks of a new humanity" in a world marked by indifference, war, and falsehoods.
His address during the vigil echoed themes from the royal palace reception the previous day, where he praised Spain's commitment to peace and its adherence to international law. The Pope's visit coincides with political tensions involving Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has recently contested US President Donald Trump's stance on conflicts in Iran and Gaza. Trump has also criticized the Pope's anti-war perspectives.
The trip marks the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, featuring notable events such as an unprecedented speech to the Spanish parliament and a meeting with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Later in the week, the Pope will join Sánchez in the Canary Islands to honor migrants who have perished in their journey to Europe.