In the heart of Madrid, a massive gathering unfolded on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV conducted a significant Mass, drawing hundreds of thousands to the central plaza. The event not only marked the pope’s presence but also celebrated one of Spain’s most cherished traditions: the creation of flower carpets.
The atmosphere was electric as the crowd erupted in cheers, chanting, “This is the youth of the pope!” Leo made his grand entrance in the popemobile, circling the plaza and the adjacent streets, where enthusiastic attendees lined up several rows deep behind barricades.
Sunday’s service coincided with the Catholic feast day of Corpus Domini, traditionally celebrated with processions in which a priest bears the Eucharist through city streets. In Spain, these processions are famously adorned with intricate floral carpets, crafted with devotion along the procession’s path.
Having arrived in Spain on Saturday to commence his weeklong tour, Pope Leo XIV aims to spotlight the deep-rooted Catholic traditions that flourish here. His mission includes inspiring younger generations to reconnect with their faith.
The previous evening saw a remarkable turnout, with an estimated 600,000 young Spaniards participating in a silent prayer vigil with the pope. This gathering underscored a growing interest in spirituality among the youth, even within Spain’s largely secular society.
Addressing the crowd, Pope Leo urged, “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!” His words resonated with many, encouraging a renewed contemplation of spiritual callings.
Irati Valda and Javier Hormazal, a young couple, held up a cardboard sign announcing they are going to get married on June 13 and were ushered up close to receive Leo’s blessing during the vigil.
“To see so many young people together, it’s incredible. Half a million people in silence, this is something you will only live once,” Valda said.
A form of popular piety dating back centuries
The tradition of laying flower carpets — and destroying them when the procession tramples them — dates back two centuries and is popular also in Latin America, where elaborate sand designs are also made. The painstaking displays are considered an offering to the Eucharist.
Poland has already had its tradition of Corpus Domini flower carpets recognized by UNESCO, and Spain’s Galicia region is trying to have its tradition listed along with other countries as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
According to Spanish organizers, the 16 flower carpets decorating the half-kilometer (mile) procession route were prepared by a Spanish florists association from Galicia. Florists used more than 30,000 flowers, most the yellow and white colors of the Holy See flag, for the carpets that feature decorations such as the Holy See keys.
Leo arrived in Spain on Saturday and urged its people to put an end to polarization and work for unity. Later Sunday he is to meet privately with members of his Augustinian religious order and address cultural leaders.
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AP visual journalist Helena Alves contributed.
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