More than 1 million people gathered in Madrid on Sunday for an outdoor Mass led by Pope Leo, in what is expected to be the largest event of his week-long visit to Spain.
Crowds packed the streets around Cibeles Square, waving flags and cheering as the pope arrived in his white popemobile. Some people threw flower petals as he entered the square, while others shouted, “Long live the pope.”
The Vatican and local organisers said around 1.2 million people attended the Mass in the square and nearby streets.
In his sermon, Pope Leo urged Catholics to live their faith through service to others, saying God “identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken.”
Earlier in the day, the pope received the key to Madrid from the city’s mayor and wrote in a guestbook that he hoped the Spanish capital would “remain a welcoming and inclusive city” shaped by genuine human values.
Leo began his visit on Saturday with meetings with migrants and homeless people, followed by a vigil attended by around 600,000 young people in Madrid. His June 6-12 trip will also include stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he is expected to meet migrants who crossed from West Africa.
The visit is Leo’s first to a European Union country outside Italy. He said he hoped the trip would send a message about respecting “every human being” and called on political leaders to avoid dividing electorates.
“I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety,” said Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian woman who arrived in Spain six months ago and waited in the crowd in a wheelchair with her daughter.
Later on Sunday, Leo met privately with members of his Augustinian religious order before attending an event with artists, entertainers, athletes and cultural figures at a concert venue in central Madrid.
Thousands of people lined the route to the venue, braving the afternoon heat as the popemobile stopped several times for the pope to bless babies handed to him by members of the crowd.
“We’re all overheated from Mass at Cibeles. The sun was beating down on us while we were waiting and during the entire service,” said Antonio Molino, a 46-year-old teacher waiting outside the venue. “Thank goodness the clouds are giving us a little break, but it’s hot.”
In his speech at the cultural event, Leo urged Europe not to forget its Christian roots, saying the Church had shaped public life through hospitals, schools, art and culture.
“Is it really possible to believe that Europe — which we love so much — would be itself without the imprint of faith?” he said.