Pope Uses Spain Speech To Warn of Global ‘Spiritual and Cultural Crisis’

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Spain’s long-standing tradition

MADRID — Pope Leo XIV celebrated Spain’s long-standing tradition of religious commitment on Sunday as a “school of faith” for the present, as he led a Mass for a million attendees and emphasized a renowned demonstration of Spanish popular devotion with a procession across carpets made of flower petals.
The audience erupted in cheers and exclaimed, “This is the pope’s youth!” as Leo came for the Mass at a main square in Madrid. He drove through the plaza and nearby streets in his popemobile to a crowd tightly packed several rows deep of people excited to see the first papal visit in 15 years.

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Leo encouraged the congregation to practice their Catholic faith by assisting others during his sermon at the Mass. He stated that God “connects with the impoverished, the oppressed, those who are isolated and abandoned.”
The pope previously expressed optimism that Madrid would “continue to be an inviting and inclusive city, where community life is guided by true human values” in a message in a guestbook as he received the key to the city from its mayor.

Leo started his journey on Saturday by meeting with migrants and the homeless, followed by a vigil with around 600,000 young attendees in Madrid. His visit from June 6-12 will also feature stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he will engage with migrants who have endangered their lives making the crossing from West Africa.

In the next few days, Leo is set to open the Jesus Christ tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica and travel to the Canary Islands to commemorate the thousands of migrants who have perished attempting to reach Europe.

Source: NPR, CNBC, The Guardian