More than one million people filled the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated a massive open-air Mass during the second day of his official visit to Spain, marking one of the largest religious gatherings in the country in recent years.
According to organizers and Vatican officials, approximately 1.2 million worshippers lined the Spanish capital’s streets to welcome the pontiff. Crowds waved Spanish and Vatican flags, cheered enthusiastically, and showered flower petals as Pope Leo arrived at Plaza de Cibeles aboard his popemobile.
The historic event was attended by Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, along with pilgrims and visitors from across the country and beyond. The city was transformed for the occasion, with streets decorated in Vatican colors and thousands of white and yellow carnations displayed throughout central Madrid.
During his homily, Pope Leo urged believers to put their faith into action by serving those most in need. He emphasized that genuine faith is demonstrated through compassion and solidarity with vulnerable people.
“God identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken,” the Pope told the gathered faithful.
He also encouraged worshippers not to view religion as merely a relic of history but as a living source of guidance and inspiration.
“Religion should not be seen as a museum of the past to be visited, but a school of faith from which to draw even today,” he said.
Spanish authorities implemented extensive security measures for the Mass and the subsequent procession through Madrid’s city center, as enormous crowds gathered despite the summer heat.
The enthusiasm surrounding Pope Leo’s visit was evident even before Sunday’s service. On Saturday evening, an estimated 500,000 people, many of them young Catholics, attended a prayer vigil near Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Addressing the youth gathered there, Pope Leo called on them to become agents of positive change in a world facing conflict, division, and uncertainty.
“In the face of the emptiness of indifference and compliance, before the violence of war and lies, you must be the sparks of a new humanity,” he said.
The Pope’s message throughout the visit has focused heavily on peace, social justice, and compassion for marginalized communities. During a reception at Spain’s Royal Palace, he praised the Spanish government’s commitment to international law, peacebuilding efforts, and support for migrants.
His remarks come amid ongoing global conflicts and heightened international tensions. Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has frequently advocated for diplomatic solutions to international crises and has taken strong positions on conflicts in the Middle East.
Pope Leo’s anti-war stance has drawn international attention, including criticism from some political leaders. Nevertheless, his messages of peace and humanitarian responsibility have resonated strongly with many Catholics worldwide.
The visit is particularly significant because it marks the first papal trip to Spain in approximately 15 years. During his week-long stay, Pope Leo is expected to make history by delivering an address before the Spanish Parliament, a rare and highly symbolic event.
He is also scheduled to meet with survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, underscoring ongoing efforts to address one of the institution’s most challenging issues.
Later in the week, the Pope will travel to the Canary Islands alongside Prime Minister Sánchez to honor thousands of migrants who lost their lives attempting the dangerous journey to Europe.
For many attendees, the Pope’s visit represents a message of hope and unity during a period of political and social polarization.
“I have come to meet Jesus Christ through the words of the Pope,” one pilgrim said, reflecting the deep spiritual significance the visit holds for millions of Catholics across Spain.