Pope Leo XIV visits Spain, drawing huge crowds in Madrid

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Madrid on Saturday, eager to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Spain. The pontiff celebrated an open-air mass in the city center, the largest event of his week-long trip.

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I hope this visit can set an example for the world to respect every person

As Pope Leo XIV traveled along the Paseo de la Castellana in his papal vehicle, crowds waved flags and chanted "Long live the Pope." Upon his arrival at Cibeles Square, some threw flower petals in his honor. The Pope, who is visiting Spain from June 6 to 12, has already met with migrants and homeless individuals in Madrid and held an overnight vigil with approximately 600,000 young people.

His itinerary also includes visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he plans to meet with migrants who have risked their lives traveling from West Africa. "I hope this visit can set an example for the world to respect every person," Pope Leo XIV stated, urging world leaders to "stop dividing voters."

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stop dividing voters

Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian woman, waited with her daughter to see the Pope. "I am very happy that he is praying for us immigrants and for our safety," she said from her wheelchair, having arrived in Spain six months prior. Following the mass, the Pope was scheduled for a private meeting with members of his Augustinian order and later a gathering with figures from the entertainment, sports, and cultural sectors.

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I am very happy that he is praying for us immigrants and for our safety