1 million people flood Madrid streets to see the pope's flower-carpeted procession

Article excerpt

More than a million people packed Madrid's streets on Tuesday to witness Pope Leo's flower-carpeted procession through the city, the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. Crowds cheered and chanted "This is the youth of the pope!" as the pontiff arrived at a central plaza for Mass. The massive turnout showcased the enduring draw of papal visits in traditionally Catholic Spain, where such events typically attract fervent devotion from both longtime followers and younger believers seeking spiritual connection.