Large crowds filled Madrid’s streets and public squares on Sunday as Pope Leo travelled through the Spanish capital to celebrate what was expected to be the biggest event of his week-long visit to the country.
The pontiff was driven through the city in the popemobile along the Paseo de la Castellana before arriving at Cibeles Square, where he presided over an open-air Mass attended by vast numbers of worshippers.
Supporters waved flags, cheered and chanted “Long live the pope” as he made his way through the city, while some members of the crowd threw flower petals as he approached the square.
According to the Vatican and local organisers, approximately 1.2 million people gathered in the square and surrounding streets to witness the event.
During the visit, Pope Leo was presented with the key to the city by Madrid’s mayor and signed the city’s guest book.
In his message, he expressed hope that Madrid would continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city guided by genuine human values.
The visit began on Saturday with meetings involving migrants and homeless people, followed by a vigil attended by about 600,000 young people in Madrid.
Pope Leo’s June 6 to June 12 trip also includes visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he is expected to meet migrants who travelled from West Africa in search of safety and better opportunities.
The pope said he hoped the visit would serve as an example of respect for every human being and encouraged political leaders to avoid actions that divide societies.
Among those in attendance was Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old migrant from Peru who arrived in Spain six months ago.
She said she was pleased that the pope was praying for migrants and their safety.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo was scheduled to hold a private meeting with members of his Augustinian religious order before attending a gathering with figures from the worlds of entertainment, sports and culture at a concert venue in central Madrid.
The visit marks his first trip to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pope.
Ojo Triumph
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