More than a million people filled the streets of Madrid on Sunday to join Pope Leo for an open-air mass, where the American pontiff emphasized the disconnect between Christian values and far-right politics. He told worshippers: 'No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.'
A Historic Gathering
Queues to access the mass began forming hours before sunrise as people scrambled to secure a spot for what was billed as the biggest gathering of the pope's week-long visit to Spain. Elena Cabiedas, 29, told El País that she arrived at 5 a.m. for the 10 a.m. event, calling it 'a historic event.' Many traveled from across Spain to participate, pouring into the Plaza de Cibeles and nearby streets. Organizers estimated that more than 1.2 million people attended.
Pope Leo's Message
As Pope Leo arrived in his white popemobile, the crowds cheered, waved flags, and shouted 'long live the pope.' He called on worshippers to show their faith through action, urging them not to shut themselves away in 'private devotion' but instead to dedicate themselves 'to our brothers and sisters, to families, to the poor, to those who suffer, to those who have lost hope.' This message echoed the central theme of his Spanish tour, the first by a pope in 15 years, which highlights his stances on migration and social issues.
Political Context
Before arriving in Spain, Pope Leo, who has clashed with Donald Trump over immigration policies and the war with Iran, expressed hope that the tour would set an example about respecting 'every human being.' On Saturday, he urged political leaders to seek unity rather than divide people for votes. During a night-time vigil that attracted 600,000 young people, he thrilled crowds by doing the viral '6-7' hand gesture.
Encounters with Migrants
Among those who met Pope Leo on Saturday was Khadri, a Senegalese national who arrived in Spain during the coronavirus crisis after risking his life on the Atlantic crossing. He told the pope that the support from the Catholic charity Caritas made his new start easier. 'I found people who welcomed me and treated me with respect,' he said, adding that he now has a job and legal status. 'They made me feel that my life mattered.'
Alignment with Spanish Government
The tour highlights a realignment between politics and the pontiff. While religion was once seen as the domain of right-wing politicians, Pope Leo's commitment to human rights contrasts with far-right anti-immigrant stances. Spain's prime minister, the socialist and self-described atheist Pedro Sánchez, aligns with Leo's positions on global issues, such as criticizing Trump's war on Iran and granting papers to undocumented migrants.
Before Sunday's mass, Pope Leo expressed hope that Madrid would 'remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where the social life is inspired by genuine human values' in a guestbook after receiving the key to the city.
Reactions from Attendees
People at the mass praised the pontiff's focus on society's most vulnerable. Andrea Margarita, a 72-year-old Peruvian who arrived in Spain six months ago, told Reuters as she waited in the crowd: 'I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety.'
Upcoming Events
After the mass, Pope Leo was scheduled to hold a private meeting with fellow members of his Augustinian religious order before gathering with figures from entertainment, sport, and culture at a concert venue in central Madrid. In the coming days, he is due to inaugurate the Jesus Christ tower of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica and visit the Canary Islands to honor the thousands of migrants who have died trying to reach Europe.
