More than one million people gathered in Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass and led a striking Corpus Christi procession along elaborately designed flower carpets, in a powerful display of Spain’s enduring Catholic traditions.
The massive turnout filled central plazas and surrounding streets, with crowds cheering as the pope arrived and circled the area in his popemobile during his first visit to Spain in 15 years. Many in the crowd shouted support, with young attendees prominently visible throughout the gathering.
The event coincided with the Corpus Domini celebration, a major date in the Catholic calendar marked by public processions honoring the Eucharist. In Spain, the tradition is distinguished by intricate floral carpets laid along procession routes—temporary works of art created as offerings of faith.
Organizers said 16 flower carpets stretching roughly half a kilometer were crafted using more than 30,000 flowers, primarily in the yellow and white colors of the Holy See. Designed by florists from Galicia, the displays featured symbolic motifs, including the keys of the Vatican.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV described the centuries-old tradition as a “school of faith,” emphasizing that the floral carpets represent more than visual spectacle.
“This is not folklore or mere decoration,” he said. “It is a living expression of faith in the presence of the risen Lord.”
The pope urged Spaniards to preserve their religious heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a living source of spiritual guidance, particularly for younger generations.
The Mass followed a large vigil attended by an estimated 600,000 young people, many of whom participated in moments of silent prayer. The strong youth presence stood out in a country often described as increasingly secular.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged young attendees to consider religious vocations and deeper engagement with the church, framing faith as a meaningful path in modern society.
The flower-carpet processions date back more than two centuries and remain a hallmark of Catholic devotion in Spain and parts of Latin America. The carpets are deliberately walked over during the procession, symbolizing an offering to the Eucharist.
Spain continues to host some of the world’s most prominent religious events, from Holy Week processions to large-scale pilgrimages. Authorities in Galicia are currently seeking UNESCO recognition for the flower-carpet tradition as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit, which began Saturday, is expected to continue with meetings involving religious leaders and cultural figures, as he calls for unity and renewed spiritual engagement in Spanish society.
AP original
