Madrid receives Pope Leo XIV fifteen years after the last visit of a pontiff, which was Benedict XVI during World Youth Day in 2011. Francis did not visit the capital, and now Leo XIV is starring in an apostolic journey that includes Barcelona and the Canary Islands, from June 6 to 12, with Madrid being the first stop and the main focus of the visit between the 6th and 9th.
During his stay in the city, the Pontiff will celebrate 21 events, including 17 homilies and speeches, large masses, and meetings with political and religious authorities, as well as social gatherings. The Plaza de Cibeles will be the central venue on Sunday, June 7.
Saturday, June 6: arrival and first events
The Pope will land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 10:30 AM, where he will be received by Kings Felipe VI and Letizia and other authorities. After the welcome at the Royal Palace, the Pontiff will deliver his first official speech to institutional representatives, civil society, and the diplomatic corps.
In the afternoon, he will visit the CEDIA 24 Horas social project of Cáritas, aimed at the comprehensive care of homeless people, accompanied by a performance by Niña Pastori. The day will conclude with a prayer vigil with young people in Plaza de Lima, near the Santiago Bernabéu, with musical performances by groups such as Hakuna, Siloé, and Besmaya, as well as Eucharistic Adoration and active participation of the young attendees.
Key schedule for Saturday, June 6:
- 10:30 AM: Arrival at the airport and official reception
- 11:30 AM: Transfer to the Royal Palace for welcome ceremony
- 12:00 PM: Meeting with the Kings
- 12:30 PM: First official speech to authorities and diplomatic corps
- 6:00 PM: Visit to the CEDIA 24 Horas Social Project of Cáritas
- 8:30 PM: Vigil with young people in Plaza de Lima
Sunday, June 7: Corpus Christi and institutional events
On Sunday, June 7, the feast of Corpus Christi, the day will begin with the Holy Mass in Plaza de Cibeles, followed by a Eucharistic procession. During the mass, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, will present the Pontiff with the Golden Key of the City, a historic recognition that represents the city's welcome to international leaders.
In the afternoon, Leo XIV will participate in the Tejer Redes event at the Movistar Arena, with representatives from culture, art, economy, and sports, closing the day with a dinner at the Residence of the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid.
Key schedule for Sunday, June 7:
- 10:00: Holy Mass and procession in Plaza de Cibeles
- 16:30: Private meeting with the Order of Saint Augustine at the Nunciature
- 18:00: Weaving Networks Event at Movistar Arena
Monday, June 8: institutional visits and diocesan community
On Monday, the Pope will meet with Pedro Sánchez at the Nunciature and will be received at the Congress of Deputies, becoming the first pontiff to address the Spanish Chamber. Later, he will visit the Spanish Episcopal Conference, where he will share lunch with bishops.
In the afternoon, he will lead a prayer to the Virgin of Almudena at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Almudena and will preside over a meeting with the diocesan community at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, accompanied by a musical repertoire that includes David Bustamante, Daniel Diges, and Diana Navarro, among others.
Key schedule for Monday, June 8:
- 09:30: Meeting with Pedro Sánchez at the Nunciature
- 10:30: Visit to the Congress of Deputies
- 11:30: Meeting with bishops and lunch at the Episcopal Conference
- 18:00: Prayer to the Virgin of Almudena
- 19:00: Meeting with the diocesan community at the Santiago Bernabéu
Tuesday, June 9: meeting with volunteers and departure for Barcelona
On Tuesday, Leo XIV will conclude his time in Madrid with a meeting with volunteers at Ifema, Hall 3, before heading to the airport to continue his tour to Barcelona, where he will continue with the scheduled events in the second city of his apostolic visit.
Key schedule for Tuesday, June 9:
- 10:20: Meeting with volunteers at Ifema
- 11:10: Departure from Barajas airport for Barcelona
Leo XIV's visit marks the return of a pontiff to Madrid after 15 years, combining religious, social, and institutional events, and mobilizing thousands of volunteers and citizens throughout the capital.