The Bernabéu hosted Pope Leon XIV's meeting with the diocesan community of Madrid
“Today, the church of Madrid has scored a goal for eternity,” said Leon XIV during his speech to the thousands of attendees who filled the stadium.
The Bernabéu once again became the universal stage for a historic event. Our stadium hosted Pope Leon XIV's meeting with the diocesan community of Madrid, part of his holiness's trip across Spain. For the second time in history, a pontiff visited the madridista stronghold after John Paul II did so in 1982.
The event, attended by more than 70,000 people, reached its most emotional moment at 7:30 pm, when the pope arrived at the Bernabéu, where he was received by president Florentino Pérez. Following an impressive ovation, Leon XIV addressed the attendees: “I suppose for a football player, scoring a goal in this stadium is a life-defining moment, but today the church of Madrid has scored a goal for eternity.”
“This evening is a great hymn of faith, and I am pleased to join my voice with yours to praise God and strengthen the bonds of such a beautiful family that is learning the art of polyphony, that is, unity in diversity.”
A religious, artistic, and musical celebration
Patricia Pardo and Christian Gálvez hosted an event that began at 4:30 pm, where the images of the Virgin of Almudena and the Christ of Medinaceli also played a central role. Artists such as Íñigo Quintero, Diana Navarro, Daniel Diges, and David Bustamante, along with the Cruz Diez Symphony Orchestra, provided the musical highlights, while magician Jorge Blass entertained attendees with his performance. One of the most special moments came from the Family Choir of the Church of Madrid, created for this occasion and composed of a thousand voices, including 300 children.
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.