Madrid — Pope Leo XIV presided this Sunday over a massive mass in the Plaza de Cibeles, where more than a million faithful gathered to celebrate Corpus Domini. In his homily, the pontiff posed a direct question to Europe:
“Is it really possible to believe that the Europe we love so much would be itself without the imprint of faith?”
Without mentioning specific countries, Leo XIV argued that Christianity has shaped the continent’s art, culture, and institutions. “Motivated by their faith, Christians built schools, hospitals and other works,” he said. The call occurs in a country where religious practice has decreased significantly in recent decades.
Flowers, faith and tradition
The procession traveled half a kilometer on 16 floral carpets made by florists from Galicia, with more than 30,000 flowers in yellow and white. Leo XIV explained that these are not “folkloric survival,” but “altars in the streets” that express living faith. The tradition, which dates back two centuries, seeks to be recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
At night, a show with flamenco dancers, classical guitar and a meditation by actor Antonio Banderas closed the day. Banderas reflected on art, faith and beauty.
Background of complaints
The papal visit was not without tension. While thousands of young people participated in Saturday’s vigil, groups of victims of sexual assault by clergy protested in front of the Vatican embassy in Madrid. Miguel Hurtado, a survivor who accused a Montserrat monk, demanded that Leo XIV cancel his visit to the Benedictine abbey. “There are more than 400,000 victims,” he declared.
The Spanish Catholic hierarchy has begun to confront its legacy after years of media reports. The pope is expected to meet with survivors, although details of the meeting have not been confirmed.
In contrast, a group of protesters in favor of the dictator Francisco Franco – whose regime was supported by the Church – chanted slogans such as “Christian, not Muslim Spain.”
Leo
