Massive crowds filled the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo traveled through the Spanish capital for what organizers expected to be the biggest gathering of his week-long Spanish tour.
Enthusiastic spectators waved flags and called out “Long live the pope” while Leo rode in his popemobile along Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid’s primary boulevard, heading to Cibeles Square for an outdoor Mass celebration. Flower petals were thrown by some attendees as the pontiff reached the square.
The papal visit kicked off Saturday with Leo meeting migrants and homeless individuals, followed by an evening vigil attended by approximately 600,000 young people in Madrid. The June 6-12 tour will also take him to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he plans to meet with migrants who made dangerous journeys from West Africa.
During his first visit to a European Union nation beyond Italy, Leo expressed hope that his trip would demonstrate global respect for “every human being” and called on political leaders to avoid creating divisions among voters.
“I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety,” said Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian who arrived in Spain six months ago, as she waited in the crowd in a wheelchair with her daughter.
Following the Mass, Leo’s schedule included a private afternoon gathering with fellow Augustinian religious order members, then an evening event with entertainment, sports and cultural personalities at a concert venue in central Madrid.
