The Archdiocese of Madrid closed the registration period for volunteers a few days ago with a total of 15,996 people registered, a figure that comfortably exceeds the initial target of around 10,000 volunteers. This result confirms the broad response to the call made in the previous weeks to ensure the organization of the papal events.
The closure of this phase marks a decisive step in the preparation of the apostolic journey, in a context of growing ecclesial mobilization ahead of the Pontiff’s arrival.
A broad mobilization of the Madrid Church
According to the same archdiocese, the volunteers come from 525 parishes, along with 150 religious congregations, 70 educational centers, and more than 200 movements, associations, and ecclesial groups. This diversity reflects the transversal involvement of the Church in Madrid in preparing for the event.
Regarding the distribution of tasks, 5,823 volunteers will be dedicated to welcoming duties, while 10,173 will participate in organizing the various events. This deployment responds to the expectation of a high influx of faithful, which at some moments is estimated to exceed one million pilgrims.
Profile of the volunteers: majority young people
The analysis of the registrants shows a clear predominance of young people. A total of 7,427 volunteers are between 18 and 35 years old, making them the largest group. They are followed by people between 36 and 65 years old, with 6,142 registered, while those over 65 represent a smaller presence.
By gender, 66% of the volunteers are women and 34% men. Additionally, three out of every four have confirmed their availability to collaborate during the weekend, when the main events of the papal visit will be concentrated.
The training and coordination phase begins
With the registration process concluded, the organization now enters a new stage focused on the training and coordination of the teams. During the month of May, various initiatives will be developed that combine technical preparation and spiritual accompaniment.
Among them, a retreat led by Auxiliary Bishop Vicente Martín will be held, aimed at deepening the meaning of service and the vocation of Christian volunteering. In parallel, training sessions will be offered in areas such as security and emergencies, first aid, attention to people with disabilities, and safe environments.
Spiritual preparation and prior accompaniment
In addition to technical training, the Archdiocese has planned a spiritual preparation itinerary. The volunteers will receive pastoral materials and proposals for daily prayer, inspired by the Word of God and the magisterium of Leo XIV, with the aim of integrating the spiritual dimension into their service.
Likewise, at the end of May, a sending blessing will be celebrated in the parishes, coinciding with the Sunday Masses prior to the visit. During the days of the apostolic journey, personal and community prayer will also be encouraged as part of the day’s development.
With the closure of the volunteer registration stage, Madrid enters the home stretch of preparations for Leo XIV’s visit, alongside Barcelona, which finalized registrations in early April. Only the Canary Islands remain to complete this stage.