Over One Million Gather in Madrid for Pope Leo XIV’s Open-Air Mass
On the second day of his historic visit to Spain, the pontiff urged a 'new humanity' while endorsing the host nation’s stance on global peace and migration.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
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- An estimated 1.2 million people attended the open-air mass at Plaza de Cibeles on Sunday.
- Pope Leo XIV used the event to advocate for international law and criticize the 'emptiness of indifference' regarding war.
- The visit marks the first papal trip to Spain in 15 years and includes upcoming meetings with abuse victims.
What happened
More than one million people lined the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated an open-air mass at the Plaza de Cibeles. The service served as the centerpiece of the second day of his official visit to the Spanish capital. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were among the congregants after having officially welcomed the pontiff to the royal palace on Saturday.
What's new in this update
The Vatican estimated the turnout for the Sunday mass at 1.2 million people, following a massive prayer vigil on Saturday night that drew 500,000 young people near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. During the mass, the Pope delivered a sermon urging the crowd to be 'sparks of a new humanity' in opposition to the 'violence of war and lies.'
Key details
Security was heavily intensified across central Madrid for the procession and service. Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born pontiff formerly known as Robert Prevost, has used his time in Spain to praise the government's commitment to international law. His rhetoric on global conflicts has previously drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, particularly concerning wars involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Background and context
This is the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. It occurs at a time of diplomatic tension between Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the United States regarding the conflict in the Middle East. The Pope’s support for Spain's stance on migrants and its opposition to global conflicts reinforces the current Spanish government's foreign policy priorities.
What to watch next
The pontiff's itinerary includes an unprecedented address before the Spanish parliament and a formal meeting with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Later in the week, Pope Leo XIV will join Prime Minister Sánchez in the Canary Islands to honor migrants who died while attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Europe.
Why it matters
The visit highlights a strong diplomatic alignment between the Vatican and Spain’s socialist government on migration and conflict resolution, despite friction with other global leaders.
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