Pope concludes Madrid visit, thanks volunteers

Pope Leo XIV concluded his final public engagement in Madrid on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to volunteers at the Ifema convention center. The Pontiff's departure from the Nunciature marked the end of his activities in the Spanish capital.

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There is a lot of affection here.

Meanwhile, Barcelona faced a day of significant events, including the start of university entrance exams (PAU) and a teachers' strike. The convergence of these activities raised concerns about potential disruptions to mobility, prompting many students to arrive at exam venues hours early. One professor noted that some students arrived as early as 6:30 a.m. for exams scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.

The Pope's visit also brought a special delivery: over 500 letters from schoolchildren at the Arenales María Teresa school in Alcobendas. Elena García, a teacher and the mission's organizer, carried a large envelope labeled 'LETTERS FROM SCHOOL M.T. FOR LEO XIV' to Ifema, hoping to present them to the Pontiff.

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We hope to be able to give them to him when he passes.

Carmen Martínez, a catechist involved in the project, highlighted the importance of the Pope's visit for the children. The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, had prepared extensive security measures for the Pope's visit. Despite concerns about a teachers' strike potentially interfering with the papal visit, authorities confirmed that the planned protest route would not intersect with the Pope's schedule, ensuring the safety of the event.

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It has not forced us to change our plans. It is a communicated protest, and there is no danger of them crossing paths with the Pope.