Pope Leo XIV welcomed by ringing bells and crowds in Madrid

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid to a massive welcome, with tens of thousands of pilgrims and locals greeting him. The Spanish capital prepared for the visit by offering approximately 35,000 free accommodations for attendees.

Madrid's hotels experienced near-full occupancy, primarily hosting international guests from the United States, France, and Great Britain. The Pope's visit marks the beginning of a week-long apostolic journey throughout Spain.

According to Euronews, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to participate in over twenty official events during his Spanish tour. He is expected to deliver nearly a dozen speeches and celebrate multiple masses in various cities. Following his time in Madrid, the Pope will travel to Barcelona to bless the recently completed tower of the Sagrada Familia basilica. His visit concludes with two days in the Canary Islands, where he will hold a mass in Gran Canaria and Tenerife and meet with asylum seekers.