MADRID (AP) — On Sunday, Central Madrid witnessed a remarkable gathering as hundreds of thousands of people filled the iconic Plaza de Cibeles for a significant Mass led by Pope Leo XIV. The event highlighted a cherished Spanish tradition—the creation of flower carpets, an emblem of popular piety that resonates deeply within the Catholic community.
As Pope Leo XIV made his entrance in the popemobile, he was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, who chanted, “This is the youth of the pope!” The scene was vibrant, with attendees packed behind barricades, eager to catch a glimpse of the papal procession.
Coinciding with the Catholic feast day of Corpus Domini, the Mass featured a procession where a priest typically carries the Eucharist through towns, a tradition often adorned with elaborate floral displays. Pope Leo, who kicked off his weeklong visit to Spain on Saturday, emphasized the importance of fostering Catholic devotion among younger generations, aiming to inspire them to reconnect with their faith.
During a vigil service on Saturday night, around 600,000 youth gathered in silent prayer alongside Pope Leo, signaling a revival of interest in spirituality among the younger population in Spain, which has become increasingly secular over the years. “Let me take the opportunity to tell all of you: Don’t ever be afraid of thinking about a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, or other services in the church!” the pope encouraged the audience.
Among the attendees were young couple Irati Valda and Javier Hormazal, who brought a cardboard sign announcing their upcoming wedding on June 13. They were given special access to receive Pope Leo's blessing during the vigil. Valda expressed her amazement at the event, stating, “To see so many young people together, it’s incredible. Half a million people in silence, this is something you will only live once.”
The tradition of laying flower carpets, which dates back two centuries, holds great significance not only in Spain but also in Latin America, where intricate sand designs are created during similar celebrations. These floral displays are regarded as offerings to the Eucharist, crafted meticulously to enhance the spiritual experience of the procession.
Poland's tradition of Corpus Domini flower carpets has already been recognized by UNESCO, and Spain's Galicia region is making efforts to have its own floral customs acknowledged as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. According to local organizers, the 16 stunning flower carpets along the half-kilometer (one-mile) procession route were created by a florist association from Galicia. They utilized over 30,000 flowers, predominantly in the yellow and white colors of the Holy See flag, employing designs that included symbols such as the Holy See keys.
In addition to the Mass and procession, Pope Leo XIV's visit aims to promote unity and dispel polarization within Spanish society. Later on Sunday, he is scheduled to hold private meetings with members of his Augustinian religious order and address a group of cultural leaders, reinforcing the church's outreach efforts amidst a changing social landscape.
