Pope Leo XIV joked about competing for attention with pop culture while in Madrid this weekend,saying many young Spaniards might choose Latin pop star Bad Bunny over him . On the papal plane,he told reporters,“If they are confronted with question ‘Do you want to go see Bad Bunny or do you want to go to see the pope?’ I think many will see Bad Bunny.”
But despite this playful comment,the Pope drew a massive crowd. About 500,000 people packed a Madrid plaza Saturday night for a prayer vigil, chanting, “This is the youth of the pope!” Young Catholics turning out in force to see the pontiff.
Pope Leo,on a weeklong visit to Spain,voiced hope for a spiritual awakening among youth . He said many seek meaning in their lives and hoped his visit would inspire them . “I think there will also be a few here to see the pope,” he added, stressing his role now.
Bad Bunny,or Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio,is doing a 10-show run in Madrid as part of his Spanish tour, pulling in big crowds and lots of media buzz . Pope's comments came as he pondered cultural challenges in reaching younger generations .
As he rolled through the crowd in his popemobile,a Spanish version of 1970s musical Godspell played, adding to the vigil's festive vibe . The Pope also touched on other topics,like possible move of the Chicago Bears. Asked about the team’s plans to head to Hammond, Indiana, he joked, “That’s out of my pay scale.”
Leo's visit to Spain sparked debates on faith and youth engagement. Both challenges and opportunities in today's world…
