Pope Leo celebrates Holy Mass with Spanish royals

Pope Leo has celebrated a Holy Mass attended by King Felipe, Queen Letizia, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía.

The royals were the first to arrive at the Cibeles Palace, and they were received by the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, Milagros Tolón, representing the President of the Government; the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso; the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida; and the Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, María Isabel Celaá.

Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey

Shortly after, Pope Leo arrived and was received by King Felipe and Queen Letizia, before greeting the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía. 

The Mayor of Madrid presented the keys of the city to Pope Leo, and the Pope signed the Book of Honour of the City of Madrid.

The royals accompanied Pope Leo to the sacristy and then proceeded to the Plaza de Cibeles, where they had a place of honour on the stage where the celebration was taking place. 

Over a million people joined the Corpus Christi Mass presided over by Pope Leo. The Mass included the introductory rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Pope’s homily, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Holy Communion.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo blessed the people gathering in the plaza.