Pope Leo urges support for poor before 1.2mln worshippers in Madrid

MADRID: Pope Leo on Sunday called on Catholics to stand with the poor, lonely and marginalised as he addressed an estimated 1.2 million people during a massive outdoor Mass in Madrid, the largest gathering of his week-long visit to Spain.

Thousands packed the streets around the city’s landmark Cibeles Square, waving flags and cheering as the pontiff arrived in his white popemobile. Organizers and the Vatican said around 1.2 million people attended the event, with crowds stretching across surrounding avenues.

In his homily, Pope Leo urged worshippers to put their faith into action by helping those most in need, saying that God “identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken.”

The pontiff’s message echoed the themes of compassion and inclusion that have marked his first visit to Spain. Earlier, he expressed hope that Madrid would remain “a welcoming and inclusive city” guided by genuine human values after receiving the city’s ceremonial key from Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida.

Pope Leo began his trip on Saturday with meetings with migrants and homeless people, followed by a prayer vigil attended by around 600,000 young people. The June 6-12 visit will also take him to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he is scheduled to meet migrants who crossed from West Africa in search of a better life.

Among those attending the Mass was 72-year-old Peruvian migrant Andrea Margarita, who said she was encouraged by the pope’s focus on migration issues.

“I am delighted that he is praying for us migrants and for our safety,” she said while waiting in the crowd with her daughter.

Later in the day, Pope Leo met privately with members of his Augustinian religious order before attending a gathering of figures from the worlds of culture, sports and entertainment at a Madrid concert venue.

Addressing the event, the pope also urged Europeans not to lose sight of the continent’s Christian heritage, highlighting the Church’s historical role in building hospitals, schools and cultural institutions.

“Is it really possible to believe that Europe, which we love so much, would be itself without the imprint of faith?” he asked.

The visit is Pope Leo’s first trip to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pontiff and has been marked by repeated appeals for social solidarity, respect for human dignity and support for society’s most vulnerable people.