More than a million line Madrid streets to see Pope Leo

An estimated 1.2 million people filled Madrid's streets and squares on Sunday morning, eager to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo as he traveled to an open-air Mass. Waving flags and chanting, the crowds lined the city's main thoroughfare, Paseo de la Castellana, as the Pope was driven in the popemobile towards Cibeles Square. Some tossed flower petals as he arrived to preside over the Mass, marking what is anticipated to be the largest event of his week-long visit to Spain. Pope Leo, who began his trip on Saturday with meetings involving migrants and the homeless, and a vigil with 600,000 young people, expressed his hope that Madrid would remain a welcoming and inclusive city. He presented the city's mayor with a written message in the city's guest book, stating, "May Madrid remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by genuine human values." The pontiff's visit, his first to an EU country outside Italy, also includes stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands. He aims for the trip to set a global example for respecting "every human being" and urged leaders to cease dividing electorates. Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian migrant, shared her gratitude, saying, "I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety." Following the Mass, Pope Leo was scheduled for a private meeting with members of his religious order and later with figures from entertainment, sport, and culture.

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May Madrid remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by genuine human values.