Pope Leo XIV Thanks Volunteers in Madrid, Highlights Altruism Over Profit

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Madrid on Tuesday with a meeting at the Ifema convention center, where he thanked thousands of volunteers who helped organize his apostolic journey. The Pontiff praised their work in a world he described as influenced by 'the logic of interest and profit.' He was accompanied by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who later escorted him to Barajas Airport for a flight to Barcelona. In Barcelona, the Pope is scheduled to be received by Finance Minister Arcadi España and deliver a homily at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. The visit highlights the Catholic Church's engagement with volunteerism and social issues in Spain.

Global Impact

The Pope's visit to Spain, while primarily a religious and cultural event, carries limited global economic or political impact. It reinforces the Catholic Church's soft power in Europe, particularly in Spain, where the Church remains influential.