Pope Leo’s visit to Spain ended on a chaotic note when an Iberia flight scheduled to return him to Rome was grounded by a technical problem, forcing the pope to be offered the King of Spain’s private plane while journalists waited for a replacement. The trip (June 6–12) was historic:
the first American pope, fluent in Spanish, drew massive crowds including about 1.2 million people for a Mass and procession in Madrid and became the first pontiff to address Spain’s parliament, receiving a standing ovation
Highlights included a dramatic Mass at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia to mark 100 years since architect Antoni Gaudí’s death, when the pope blessed the tower of Jesus Christ amid choirs, lights, fireworks and a drone display. Pope Leo also made quieter visits, meeting migrants at Las Raices camp in Tenerife to call for an end to human trafficking, and holding private meetings with abuse survivors while urging Spanish bishops to listen and make reparations. Throughout the trip he appeared relaxed and affable, speaking off the cuff about family life and his love of sports, telling young people to consider marriage while noting he still plays tennis and exercises regularly.
