Over a Million Individuals Gather for Outdoor Service with Pope Leo in Madrid
Madrid saw an impressive gathering of over a million individuals in and around a major city square, where they came together to participate in an outdoor mass held by Pope Leo. This grand event is expected to be the highlight of his week-long sojourn in Spain.
Crowds flocked near the renowned Plaza de Cibeles, hemmed in by barriers. Their excitement was palpable, as they waved their flags high and chanted in unison, "Long live the pope". The arrival of Pope Leo in his signature white vehicle was greeted with a shower of flower petals.
Crowd Count and Pope's Message
According to the estimations from the Vatican and local event organizers, the total count of people present in the square and its adjoining streets was approximately 1.2 million.
During the mass, Pope Leo delivered a sermon that encouraged the attendees to actively practice their Catholic faith by extending help to those in need. He emphasized that God is aligned with the underprivileged, the oppressed, and those who feel isolated and abandoned.
Prior to the event, Pope Leo expressed his desire for Madrid to continue embracing diversity and inclusivity. He left a note in the city's guestbook, wishing that the city's social life remains true to authentic human values. This happened when the city's mayor presented Pope Leo with the key to the city.
Pope Leo's Agenda in Spain
Pope Leo initiated his Spanish tour with interactions with migrants and homeless individuals and held a vigil with roughly 600,000 youths in Madrid. His itinerary from June 6 to 12 also includes visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands. There, he is scheduled to meet people who have braved treacherous conditions while crossing from West Africa.
Pope Leo expressed his hope that his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy would serve as a template for the world to understand the importance of respecting "every human being". He also called upon leaders to refrain from creating divisions among the people.
One of the attendees, 72-year-old Andrea Margarita, a recent migrant from Peru, stated, "I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety." She was waiting among the crowd in a wheelchair, accompanied by her daughter.
Post-Mass Activities
Following the mass, Pope Leo's schedule included a private meeting with other members of his Augustinian religious order in the afternoon. Later, he was set to interact with prominent personalities from the realms of entertainment, sports, and culture at a concert venue in the heart of Madrid.
Madrid saw an impressive gathering of over a million individuals in and around a major city square, where they came together to participate in an outdoor mass held by Pope Leo. This grand event is expected to be the highlight of his week-long sojourn in Spain.
Crowds flocked near the renowned Plaza de Cibeles, hemmed in by barriers. Their excitement was palpable, as they waved their flags high and chanted in unison, "Long live the pope". The arrival of Pope Leo in his signature white vehicle was greeted with a shower of flower petals.
Crowd Count and Pope's Message
According to the estimations from the Vatican and local event organizers, the total count of people present in the square and its adjoining streets was approximately 1.2 million.
During the mass, Pope Leo delivered a sermon that encouraged the attendees to actively practice their Catholic faith by extending help to those in need. He emphasized that God is aligned with the underprivileged, the oppressed, and those who feel isolated and abandoned.
Prior to the event, Pope Leo expressed his desire for Madrid to continue embracing diversity and inclusivity. He left a note in the city's guestbook, wishing that the city's social life remains true to authentic human values. This happened when the city's mayor presented Pope Leo with the key to the city.
Pope Leo's Agenda in Spain
Pope Leo initiated his Spanish tour with interactions with migrants and homeless individuals and held a vigil with roughly 600,000 youths in Madrid. His itinerary from June 6 to 12 also includes visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands. There, he is scheduled to meet people who have braved treacherous conditions while crossing from West Africa.
Pope Leo expressed his hope that his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy would serve as a template for the world to understand the importance of respecting "every human being". He also called upon leaders to refrain from creating divisions among the people.
One of the attendees, 72-year-old Andrea Margarita, a recent migrant from Peru, stated, "I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety." She was waiting among the crowd in a wheelchair, accompanied by her daughter.
Post-Mass Activities
Following the mass, Pope Leo's schedule included a private meeting with other members of his Augustinian religious order in the afternoon. Later, he was set to interact with prominent personalities from the realms of entertainment, sports, and culture at a concert venue in the heart of Madrid.