Pope Leo XIV drew huge crowds in Madrid on Sunday. He led a Mass and a procession. They honored Spain’s Catholic traditions.

Local organizers said 1.2 million people came. The morning was bright and spring-like. The event was part of his weeklong visit to Spain. It was his first papal trip there in 15 years.

Leo praised Spain’s Corpus Domini processions. He called them a “school of faith” for today. In his homily, he spoke about the flower carpets. He said they were not folklore or decoration. He called them a “profession of faith” in the risen Lord. He also said Spain’s religiosity should not become “a museum of the past.” He said it should stay a source of faith.

The procession route near Plaza Cibeles had 16 flower carpets. A Galician florists association made them. Workers used more than 30,000 flowers. Most were yellow and white, like the Holy See flag. People trample the carpets during the procession. The tradition goes back two centuries.

Leo also uses the visit to speak to young people. He asks them to think about religious vocations. At a vigil on Saturday night, about 600,000 young Spaniards knelt in silence with him. Spain has a secular reputation. He later told them not to be afraid. He said they can think about the priesthood, religious life, or other church service.