Adedokun Waliyu 
More than 1.2 million people gathered in the streets of Madrid on Sunday to attend a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, during which he called for a renewal of the Catholic faith in Spain.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia joined large crowds of worshippers waving Spanish and Vatican flags in Plaza de Cibeles for the service.
In his homily, Pope Leo encouraged Spaniards to view religion not as “a museum of the past to be visited” but as “a school of faith” that remains relevant today.
The Mass marked the second day of the pope’s week-long visit to Spain. The country has historically been a strong Catholic nation, although religious participation has declined significantly in recent decades, similar to trends across much of Western Europe.
A major security and logistics operation was organized for the event. Following the Mass, the pope led a traditional Corpus Christi procession through Madrid. The route was decorated with white and yellow carnations, reflecting the colors of the Vatican flag.
Organizers estimated that more than 1.2 million people attended the event in the square and surrounding areas.
Among those present was Nico Aldeanueva, a visitor from Philadelphia in the United States, who described the pope as “a very unifying force” during a time of global division and conflict.
Another attendee, Ana Milagros, praised the pope as approachable and sincere. She expressed hope that his visit would help bring people together amid political, social, and economic divisions.
Focus on Migration
Later in the day, Pope Leo was scheduled to meet leading figures from culture, sports, and business to encourage dialogue between faith and modern society.
According to recent survey data, about 56 percent of Spaniards identify as Catholic today, compared with around 90 percent in the 1970s.
The previous evening, approximately 500,000 mostly young people gathered outside Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a prayer vigil with the pope.
At the start of his visit, Pope Leo attended a reception at Madrid’s royal palace, where he called for an end to “polarising narratives” and “sterile simplifications.” He also praised Spain’s commitment to peace and solidarity among nations.
The pope is expected to visit Barcelona, where he will bless the recently completed tower of the famous Sagrada Família, making it the tallest church in the world.
His trip will conclude in the Canary Islands, where he plans to focus on migration issues. The islands are a major destination for migrants attempting dangerous Atlantic crossings, a route on which thousands have lost their lives.
