King Felipe and Queen Letizia have welcomed Pope Leo to Spain.
The royal couple welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The Pope went to greet the Prime Minister and the other Spanish representatives present.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
They headed into a room in the State Pavilion for a meeting ahead of the program’s official start. They parted ways to meet up again at the Royal Palace of Madrid. At the palace, they were joined by the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía. Queen Letizia was dressed in white, according to the privilège du blanc, while the Princess and Infanta were dressed in the traditional black.
-
- Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
-
- Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
During the official welcome, military honours were rendered, and the national anthems of the Vatican City State and Spain were played, followed by a gun salute.
Pope Leo and King Felipe reviewed the Royal Guard Honour Battalion, alongside the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of Staff to the Head of the Military Household, and the unit commander. After the review, the party went inside to greet the official Spanish and Vatican delegations.
In the Gasparini Antechamber, the exchange of gifts took place, followed by a meeting.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
The main event took place in the Hall of Columns of the Royal Palace of Madrid. The King and the Pope both gave speeches.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
King Felipe said, “The Queen and I humbly and joyfully extend to you the warmest welcome to Spain. We do so on behalf of our Family, the Government and other State institutions, and the entire Spanish people… you will see, in our streets and squares, in our churches and institutions, the immense joy we feel at having you among us…”
The Pope’s visit will last on 12 June.
Related Articles
Prince Daniel and Prince Carl Philip attend the Sports Gala
Sparkling state visit from Spain to Denmark
King Felipe and Queen Letizia travel to the Vatican
Be the first to comment on "King Felipe and Queen Letizia host Pope Leo"