In brief
Florentino Pérez gave Pope Leo XIV a Real Madrid shirt with his name and the number 1, plus a miniature Bernabéu, during the Madrid event.
While flying to Spain, the Pope said that as Robert Prevost his favourite Spanish team is Real Madrid, though as pontiff he is for all clubs.
The diocesan gathering filled the stadium, while government figures put the citywide crowd at 200,000.
The Pope's itinerary includes a prayer at the Cathedral, a vigil at the Olympic Stadium, and a private meeting with Salvador Illa, before heading to Gran Canaria.
- 9 JunArrival at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
- 9 JunPrayer of the Hora Media at Barcelona Cathedral.
- 9 JunPrayer vigil at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
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.
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.