Pope Leo XIV’s Madrid Visit Sparks Renewed Faith and Civic Dialogue, Says Cardinal Cobo Cano

Newsroom (10/06/2026 Gaudium Press )  As Pope Leo XIV concluded the first stage of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, departing Madrid for Barcelona, Cardinal José Cobo Cano described the visit as more than a ceremonial event—it was “a journey” that has already begun to chart a future path for both the Church and Spanish society.

Speaking to Vatican News after accompanying the Pope throughout his stay in Madrid, the Archbishop emphasized that the four-day visit exceeded expectations in both scale and spirit. While large crowds marked the occasion, including nearly 1.5 million attendees at major liturgical celebrations and 600,000 young people gathered in prayer, it was the emotional and spiritual response that stood out most strongly.

“We were surprised not only by the numbers,” Cardinal Cobo Cano noted, “but by the warmth of the Church of Madrid and the welcome in Parliament.”

Political Unity and Moral Authority

One of the most notable moments came during the Pope’s address to Spanish lawmakers, where he received a sustained, unanimous standing ovation lasting nearly ten minutes. The Cardinal interpreted this rare display of unity as a sign that both politics and society may be searching for a renewed ethical framework.

“The Pope has grown as a moral authority and ethical model,” he explained, pointing to Leo XIV’s call to transcend divisions and “lift up our gaze.”

Central to the Pope’s message was a forward-looking vision. Rather than relying solely on Spain’s historic Catholic identity, Leo XIV urged leaders to embrace the future—an appeal the Cardinal sees as deeply aligned with ongoing Church reform efforts.

A Church in Transition: Tradition Meets Transformation

Cardinal Cobo Cano highlighted that the Church is navigating a period of significant change, one that requires balancing its rich tradition with the need for adaptation.

“The Church has very precise traditions and experiences,” he said, “but she is not obliged to repeat them.”

Instead, the Pope’s teachings emphasize renewal—updating language, structures, and approaches to meet contemporary challenges. His encyclical, the Cardinal noted, offers guidance particularly in promoting the role of laypeople and integrating their vocations into the life of the Church.

This shift reflects the broader synodal journey within Catholicism, encouraging greater participation and shared responsibility among all members of the Church.

Youth Awakening: Opportunity and Responsibility

A striking feature of the Madrid leg was the visible engagement of young people. The vigil at Plaza de Lima, where hundreds of thousands of youth prayed silently before the Blessed Sacrament, signaled what the Cardinal described as an “awakening.”

However, he cautioned against interpreting enthusiasm as an endpoint.

“This awakening needs to be guided,” he said, stressing the importance of connecting young people not just to spirituality in general but to “the essence of Jesus Christ, of the Gospel, and of the tradition of the Church.”

Rather than focusing solely on attendance figures, he emphasized the need for long-term accompaniment—helping individuals deepen their faith and find their place within the Church community.

Spain’s Spiritual Landscape: Emerging, Not Declining

Contrary to widespread narratives of secularization, Cardinal Cobo Cano offered a different perspective, describing Spain as “an emerging country” in terms of faith.

“There is a great search for God,” he said, citing the strong participation of young people as evidence of a deeper spiritual hunger.

This moment, he argued, presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the Church, particularly in Madrid, to support individuals in their personal journeys—addressing both their aspirations and their struggles.

The emotional intensity of the visit—witnessed in tears, prayer, and a palpable sense of belonging—underscored a renewed connection among the faithful.

Confronting Abuse: A Path Toward Healing and Accountability

The Pope’s meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse at the Apostolic Nunciature marked a critical dimension of the visit. Cardinal Cobo Cano acknowledged that abuse remains a “wound of the past” but stressed that it is also a present challenge requiring ongoing commitment.

“For ten years, we have been working to accompany victims,” he said, adding that efforts are focused on ensuring that “no victim feels excluded.”

The Cardinal emphasized the importance of recognizing each victim’s unique experience, rejecting any one-size-fits-all approach. He also pointed to cooperation between the Church, government, and dioceses as a constructive step forward.

Pope Leo XIV’s call for a “Samaritan Church”—one that stands beside the vulnerable—resonated throughout his addresses. According to the Cardinal, this vision reaffirms the Church’s identity as one rooted in compassion and solidarity with those who suffer.

A Revitalized Church with a Clear Mission

Reflecting on the broader impact of the visit, Cardinal Cobo Cano did not hesitate in his assessment: “It has revitalized her,” he said of the Spanish Church.

The Pope, he explained, has left behind not only inspiration but concrete directions—“lines of work,” “points of convergence,” and “positions” spanning culture, politics, economics, and ecclesial life.

As the Apostolic Journey continues to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, the Madrid leg appears to have set a powerful tone—one of renewal, engagement, and responsibility.

For Spain’s Church, the real work now begins: accompanying a newly energized people, translating enthusiasm into enduring faith, and responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News