Pope Leo XIV has honored Spain’s centuries-old tradition of religious devotion, describing it as a “school of faith” during a major public Mass held on Sunday.
The Pope presided over the service before an estimated crowd of around one million people, marking one of the largest gatherings of his visit.
In his address, he highlighted Spain’s deep-rooted expressions of popular piety, which he said continue to shape spiritual life and community identity across the country.
The Mass featured one of Spain’s most iconic religious traditions, including a procession over elaborate carpets made from flower petals.
Thousands of participants took part in the ceremonial displays, reflecting centuries-old customs passed down through generations.
The Pope praised the devotion of worshippers, saying such traditions serve as a living testimony of faith and cultural heritage.
He also emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and spiritual renewal in today’s world.
The event drew pilgrims, families, and religious leaders from across Spain and beyond, creating a powerful scene of collective worship.
Security and crowd management were deployed as authorities handled one of the largest public gatherings of the year.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace and blessings for communities around the world.
