More than one million people gathered in Madrid as Pope Leo XIV led a large Corpus Domini procession through the Spanish capital. The visit marked the pope’s first trip to Spain and the first papal visit to the country in 15 years.
Crowds packed the streets around Plaza Cibeles as the pope greeted worshippers from his popemobile before leading a Mass and walking across elaborate flower carpets created for the celebration.
The event highlighted Spain’s deep Catholic traditions at a time when religious participation in the country continues to decline, especially among younger generations.
Pope Leo highlights Spain’s Catholic traditions
During his homily, Pope Leo praised Spain’s long-standing Corpus Domini traditions and described them as a living expression of faith rather than cultural folklore.
He said the flower carpets and public processions reflected the spiritual identity of Spain and showed how religion continues to shape the country’s values and traditions.
The pope also encouraged Spaniards to preserve their religious heritage for future generations, saying faith should remain active in modern society rather than becoming part of a “museum of the past.”
Flower carpets become center of celebration
Spanish organizers prepared 16 flower carpets along the half-kilometer procession route through central Madrid. Florists used more than 30,000 flowers, mainly in the yellow and white colors of the Vatican flag.
The carpets featured religious symbols, including the keys of the Holy See, and followed a centuries-old tradition linked to the Catholic feast of Corpus Domini.
At the end of the Mass, Pope Leo carried a gilded monstrance containing the Eucharist and walked across the floral displays while children scattered flower petals ahead of him.
Young worshippers turn out in huge numbers
The pope’s visit attracted strong participation from young Catholics despite Spain’s increasingly secular society. Organizers estimated that around 600,000 young people attended a prayer vigil on Saturday night.
During the vigil, Pope Leo encouraged young people to remain open to religious vocations and church service. Large sections of the crowd joined in silent prayer alongside the pontiff.
Many attendees described the gathering as a rare and emotional experience. Some young couples even received blessings from the pope during the event.
Spain seeks to preserve religious heritage
Religious processions and pilgrimages remain important cultural traditions across Spain, especially during Holy Week and local religious festivals.
The tradition of creating flower carpets dates back around 200 years and also appears in parts of Latin America. Spain’s Galicia region is currently seeking UNESCO recognition for the practice as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Pope Leo’s visit is expected to continue throughout the week with meetings involving cultural leaders and members of his Augustinian religious order.
