By Kielce Gussie – Madrid
More than 1.2 million people celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with Pope Leo XIV in the Plaza de Cibeles—a famous symbol of the city of Madrid—on the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Spain.
Surrounded by pilgrims from across the world, the Pope reflected on the mystery the Church commemorates on this day, stressing that in Spain, Corpus Christi is more than just a liturgical celebration. The Catholic traditions in which the Spanish faith and history are rooted, including floral arrangements and solemn processions, “have for centuries shaped the piety, art, music, architecture and life of the Spanish people.”
However, he stressed that these are not meant to be seen as part of an exhibition or folklore. Rather, a profession of faith.
More than looking back at the history of the country, Pope Leo outlined a task for “Spain today and in the future: to ensure that the religiosity which has shaped and defined this country for centuries is not a museum of the past to be visited, but a school of faith from which to draw even today.”
Jesus present in the Eucharist, he highlighted, can help make us into bread “that is broken, given, and offered” in a way that brings fullness to ourselves, our families, and our countries.
Seeing the Pope is a highlight
Celebrating the feast day and hearing of Pope Leo’s presence drove some pilgrims to travel from afar to the morning Mass. Marianne drove from Toledo, Spain, at 4 in the morning to wait hours to see the Pope pass by in the popemobile before the liturgy.
She acknowledged how unique an opportunity it is to be able to “come to see him very close” in Madrid.
Augustinian Recollect Friar Francisco from Costa Rica has a religious brotherly connection with the Pope and was moved to see how many people have come to see Pope Leo.
With about 600,000 people present at the youth prayer vigil on Saturday and over a million at the Mass on Sunday morning, Francisco highlighted how beautiful it is to share the experience with so many young people. The large crowds show “that the faith here in Spain is actually quite alive.” It gives him hope and “light to move forward.”
For others, like Alexia, the Mass was in her “backyard”. Hailing from Madrid, she was able to sleep in until 5:30 am and still manage to get a spot. Yet, nothing would have prevented her from attending. “It’s so worth it. If I had to come here at 4.00 am, I would be here!”
For Alexia, the opportunity to see the Pope is always something special—even if she had seen him just last year during the Jubilee. She believes his message “is alive; it’s strong; it has meaning, and it has changed us.”
The future depends on our authentic greatness
Artists, athletes, actors, business leaders, dancers, and professors helped close this second day in Madrid for Pope Leo, who challenged them to be “new protagonists” in bringing together the bonds of dialogue, hope, and solidarity in a world which seems to grow ever more fragmented.
One of those who addressed the Pope was actor Antonio Banderas. He reflected on the enduring relationship between faith and artistic expression, while athletes Teresa Perales and Carolina Marín highlighted the values of resilience, humility and solidarity learned through sport.
The Pope posed a number of deep questions to reflect on:
- – “What legacy are we leaving for the future and, by extension, what kind of community are we building?”
- – “What does it mean to be truly human?”
- – “What values are we preserving and which are we allowing to die?”
- – “Is it seriously possible to believe that Europe would be the same without the influence of faith?”
- – “Who are the ones being excluded despite their virtues and abilities?”
Our future—as a common family—is dependent on whether humanity’s authentic greatness comes to the surface. To achieve this, Pope Leo challenged everyone to “be new protagonists for weaving new networks that harmonise all areas of life.” – Vatican News
