BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Pope Leo XIV celebrated one of Spain’s most cherished religious traditions on Sunday, presiding over a massive outdoor Mass attended by more than a million people and calling on Spaniards to preserve their centuries-old expressions of faith as a living source of spiritual renewal rather than a relic of the past.
The second day of the pope’s weeklong visit to Spain drew extraordinary crowds to the heart of Madrid, where worshippers packed the city’s central avenues and plazas from the early morning hours. Many waved Vatican and Spanish flags, while others chanted and applauded as Leo arrived in the popemobile, greeting pilgrims who had traveled from across the country to witness the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years.
As the pope slowly made his way through the streets surrounding Plaza de Cibeles, crowds several rows deep erupted into cheers, with many young Catholics chanting, “This is the youth of the pope,” a slogan that has become associated with the unexpectedly strong turnout of young people during his visit.
The Mass coincided with the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi, one of the most important celebrations in the Church calendar. The feast commemorates the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and is marked in many Catholic countries by public processions through streets and town squares.
In Spain, Corpus Christi celebrations are renowned for their elaborate floral carpets, a tradition that transforms city streets into vibrant displays of religious art. This year, organizers created 16 large floral carpets stretching across approximately half a kilometer of Madrid’s city center.
The intricate designs were prepared by florists from the northwestern region of Galicia, who used more than 30,000 flowers to construct colorful religious images and symbols. Many of the arrangements featured the yellow and white colors of the Vatican flag, while others displayed traditional Christian motifs, including the crossed keys associated with the Holy See.
During his homily, Leo praised these traditions as powerful expressions of faith that continue to carry spiritual meaning in modern society.
He told the crowd that the floral carpets and public processions were far more than decorative displays or cultural customs. Instead, he described them as visible professions of faith that demonstrate a continuing belief in the presence of Christ among believers.
The pope emphasized that Spain’s rich religious heritage should not be viewed merely as part of history but as a source of inspiration for future generations. He urged Catholics to ensure that traditions which have shaped Spanish society for centuries remain relevant in contemporary life.
According to Leo, the country’s long history of religious devotion offers lessons that extend beyond Spain’s borders and can serve as an example for other nations seeking to maintain spiritual values in increasingly secular societies.
His message appeared aimed particularly at younger generations. Throughout his visit, Leo has repeatedly highlighted signs of renewed religious interest among Spanish youth, despite decades of declining church attendance and a broader trend toward secularization.
The theme was already evident during a huge prayer vigil held the previous evening. Organizers estimated that around 600,000 young people attended the gathering, filling Madrid’s streets and public spaces.
In one of the most striking moments of the vigil, hundreds of thousands of participants knelt in silence alongside the pope for several minutes of prayer. The scene was widely viewed as a powerful demonstration of the continuing appeal of faith among young Spaniards.
Addressing the crowd, Leo encouraged young Catholics to consider dedicating their lives to service within the Church. He spoke about religious vocations and urged attendees not to be afraid of exploring paths such as the priesthood, religious life or other forms of Christian service.
The event also produced several emotional moments. Among those attending were young couples, families and pilgrims who had traveled long distances to participate in the historic gathering.
One couple, who are due to marry later this month, received a special blessing from the pope after being brought closer to the stage during the vigil. They later described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the sight of hundreds of thousands of young people gathered together in prayer.
Sunday’s Mass culminated in a traditional Corpus Christi procession through the decorated streets of Madrid.
At the conclusion of the liturgy, Leo carried a gilded monstrance containing a consecrated Eucharistic host and walked along the route lined with floral carpets. Children scattered flower petals ahead of him while worshippers tossed additional petals from behind security barriers.
The colorful carpets, painstakingly assembled over many hours, were gradually crushed beneath the feet of participants as the procession moved forward — a symbolic act that forms part of the centuries-old tradition.
The custom dates back more than 200 years and remains particularly popular in Spain and parts of Latin America. The temporary artworks are viewed as offerings of devotion and sacrifice, created not to be preserved but to honor the religious celebration.
Spain’s Corpus Christi traditions remain among the most visible examples of popular Catholic devotion in Europe. Similar expressions of faith can be found throughout the country, from the internationally renowned Holy Week processions of Andalusia to local patron saint festivals and religious pilgrimages that continue to attract large crowds.
One of the most famous examples is the annual pilgrimage to in southern Spain, which draws hundreds of thousands of participants who travel on horseback and in decorated wagons to venerate an image of the Virgin Mary.
These traditions have helped preserve a strong cultural connection to Catholicism even as Spain has become increasingly secular over recent decades.
Leo’s visit has sought to build on that heritage while encouraging a renewed engagement with faith among younger generations. Since arriving in Spain, he has repeatedly called for unity, dialogue and spiritual renewal, while also urging Spaniards to move beyond political and social divisions.
The pope’s visit continues throughout the week and will include meetings with religious leaders, members of his Augustinian order, cultural figures and community representatives. Additional events are planned in several Spanish cities before he concludes the trip with a visit to the Canary Islands.
For many of the faithful gathered in Madrid, however, Sunday’s Mass and procession represented the defining moment of the visit so far — a vivid display of Spain’s enduring Catholic traditions and a powerful demonstration of the pope’s ability to draw enormous crowds during his first visit to the country as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
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