Pope Leo XIV receives personalised Real Madrid jersey at Bernabéu, continues to Barcelona
At the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Pope Leo XIV was given a Real Madrid shirt bearing his name and the number 1 by club president Florentino Pérez, before heading to Barcelona for the next leg of his Spanish visit.
A historic gathering at Santiago Bernabéu
On Monday evening, Pope Leo XIV's visit to Madrid culminated in a massive outdoor event at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, hosted by newly reelected Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. An estimated 70,000 people filled the venue after a day that saw nearly 200,000 congregate in the streets of Madrid, according to the Spanish government delegation. The Pope arrived after celebrating mass at the nearby Almudena Cathedral, where he was joined by Queen Sofía.
The jersey that stole the spotlight
During a private tour through the trophy room, Pérez presented the Pontiff with a personalised Real Madrid shirt bearing his baptismal name, Robert F. Prevost, and the number 1. He also gave a replica of the stadium. The Pope reciprocated with a commemorative medal. Earlier, during his flight from Rome, the Pope had revealed his personal affinity for the club, saying that as Robert Prevost his favourite team in Spain is Real Madrid, though as Pope he is for everyone.
I imagine that for a footballer scoring a goal in this stadium is something that stays with you for life, but today the Church of Madrid has scored a goal that will last forever.
A stage designed like a church floor
The Bernabéu's pitch was divided into hexagonal zones representing different segments of the diocesan community: parish pastoral council coordinators, priests, consecrated life members, and young people. A trapezoidal area hosted some 800 people from migrant delegations, social pastoral care, and Caritas. More than 24,000 parishioners, over 7,000 from associations and movements, another 7,000 from educational communities, and about 4,000 from consecrated life and clergy participated, along with bishops, civil authorities, and Real Madrid representatives.
- Pope attends mass at Almudena Cathedral alongside Queen Sofía.
- Diocesan gathering at Santiago Bernabéu begins; Pope receives personalised Real Madrid jersey.
- Arrival at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
- Prayer of the Hora Media at Barcelona Cathedral.
- Prayer vigil at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Next stops: Barcelona and the Canary Islands
The Pope's Spanish trip continues on Tuesday, when he is set to fly to Barcelona. His schedule includes a 13:00 prayer of the Hora Media at Barcelona Cathedral and a prayer vigil at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at 20:00. He will also hold a private audience with Catalan regional president Salvador Illa. Later, the itinerary calls for a mass at the Estadio de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
