More than one million people gather in central Madrid for an open-air Mass led by Pope Leo XIV and an associated religious procession known for its Spanish flower-carpet tradition. Reports say the service draws crowds into major squares and streets, including Cibeles Square, with many attendees waving Spanish and Vatican flags. Several outlets describe the pope’s Mass as a highlight of his week-long visit to Spain. On arrival, the pope travels to the Mass site through a large cheering crowd.
Accounts also emphasize the symbolism and themes of the event. France 24 reports that Pope Leo XIV calls for a renewal of Catholic faith, urging Spaniards to view religion not as “a museum of the past,” but as a “school of faith” relevant to today. Breitbart and other sources describe the procession featuring flower-petal carpets as an iconic expression of Spanish popular piety, underscoring longstanding local religious customs. Estimates vary slightly across outlets, with some reporting figures above one million and others citing up to around 1.2 million for the main Mass.
