Madrid hosts Pope and Antonio Banderas for celebration of art, culture, economy and sport

During a cultural gathering in Madrid, Pope Leo emphasized the role of faith, sports and the arts in promoting unity and countering division. The event, which featured Antonio Banderas and traditional flamenco performances, formed part of the pontiff’s first visit to an EU country outside Italy.

Reuters

8 June 2026 at 06:33:54

Madrid hosts Pope and Antonio Banderas for celebration of art, culture, economy and sport

Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with actor Antonio Banderas during the meeting "Building Networks with the World of Culture, Art, Economy and Sport" at the Movistar Arena, during Pope Leo's apostolic journey in Madrid, Spain, June 7, 2026.

Elisabetta Trevisan/Vatican Media/Reuters

Pope Leo met with representatives of arts, culture, sports and economy in Madrid on Sunday (June 7).

The meeting included a speech by Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and a traditional flamenco dance.

The pontiff mentioned the importance of sports to confront violence and hate.

In his speech, Leo urged Europe not to forget its long ties to the Christian faith, explaining that the Church had played a key role in public life through the construction of hospitals and schools and the creation of art and culture.

Leo began his trip on Saturday (June 6) with meetings with migrants and the homeless and a vigil with about 600,000 young people in Madrid.

He said he hoped the visit, his first to an EU country outside Italy, would set an example to the world about respecting "every human being" and urged leaders to stop dividing electorates.

His June 6-12 visit also includes stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants who have risked their lives crossing there from West Africa.

Production: Reim Nahaboo/Reuters