Madrid welcomes Pope Leo with over 1.2 million for Corpus Christi

Madrid witnessed an extraordinary display of faith as over 1.2 million people filled the streets for the solemn Corpus Christi procession and Mass. Pope Leo, participating in the event he had long desired to lead as Pontiff in Spain, expressed his emotion after the 40-minute procession under the sweltering Madrid heat. He slowly walked, elevating the Blessed Sacrament for the adoring crowd, his face nearly hidden by golden vestments as bells rang out.

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Rites and processions are not a museum but God in our midst.

During the Mass, the Pope issued a strong admonition against treating religious rites as mere museum exhibits or folklore. "Rites and processions are not a museum but God in our midst," he declared, emphasizing that they teach humility and service to others. He also criticized a "comfortable and private faith, closed in selfishness," contrasting it with Jesus's presence among the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.

Reflecting on his earlier call for Europe to embrace its Christian identity, Pope Leo questioned whether the continent would have forged its current identity without the profound spiritual influence that has shaped its history. He urged Europe not to fear the integration of eternity into daily life, echoing his predecessors' call: "Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!" This sentiment harks back to the EU's decision not to include Christian roots in its constitution preamble.

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I want to ask myself aloud: who is being excluded despite their virtues and abilities?

The Pope also directed his message to civil authorities and leaders in sports, culture, and economics, imploring them to include society's most vulnerable. Citing his encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," he posed a critical question: "Who is being excluded despite their virtues and abilities?" He stressed that the plight of the poor is a constant call throughout history, challenging individuals, societies, and economic systems to respond.

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Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!