Pope Leo XIV jokes young Spaniards would pick Bad Bunny over him during Madrid visit this weekend

Pope Leo XIV lightheartedly remarked on Saturday that he has a good idea of who would win the popular vote if young people were deciding between attending his appearance or a concert by Latin pop sensation Bad Bunny this weekend.

During the commencement of his weeklong visit to Spain, the Pope acknowledged the competition for attention in Madrid, where he shares the spotlight with the Puerto Rican superstar. He humorously suggested that many young Spaniards might prefer attending the concert of the Grammy-winning artist over seeing him.

“If they’re faced with the choice between seeing Bad Bunny or the Pope, I think many would opt for Bad Bunny,” Pope Leo quipped to journalists aboard the papal plane before landing.

He added with a chuckle, “But I believe there will still be some who choose to see the Pope. And that, in itself, speaks volumes.”

Pope Leo XIV’s jest about the potential preference of young people was met with smiles as he shared his thoughts with reporters, highlighting the cultural influence of Bad Bunny.

Currently, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is captivating audiences with a series of ten performances in Madrid as part of his Spanish tour.

Leo raised the comparison while discussing what he described as signs of a spiritual awakening among some young people in Spain.

The pope said many young adults appear to be searching for meaning and expressed hope that his visit could help “awaken” something within them.

Pope Leo XIV was first brought to the Vatican by Francis to serve as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, which is one of the most important positions in the Catholic Church as it vets bishop nominations issued globally. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)

Despite his remarks, thousands of young Catholics turned out to greet the pope.

An estimated 500,000 people gathered in a Madrid plaza Saturday evening for a prayer vigil, chanting, “This is the youth of the pope!”

Leo later rode through the crowd in his popemobile while a Spanish rendition of the 1970s musical “Godspell” played.

Bad Bunny speaking at Super Bowl LX halftime show press conference at Moscone Center

Bad Bunny speaks during the Super Bowl LX halftime show press conference at Moscone Center on Feb. 5, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

The Chicago-born pope was also asked about reports that the Chicago Bears could soon move out of Illinois.

The team’s board of directors voted Thursday to advance a proposed stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana.

“That’s out of my pay (scale),” Leo quipped when asked about the potential relocation.

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