Pope Leo XIV will preside over a Corpus Christi procession through the streets of central Madrid. This has been confirmed by the Liturgy Commission of the papal trip. In total, the route will cover about 600 meters—300 meters going and 300 meters returning—during which Leo XIV will accompany the Blessed Sacrament. After the procession concludes, the Pope will impart the blessing with the Blessed Sacrament to all the faithful present.
The procession will take place at the conclusion of the Eucharist and will cover a section of Alcalá Street next to Plaza de Cibeles. The route will begin at the altar installed beside Madrid City Hall and advance to the vicinity of the parish of San José, practically at the point where Alcalá Street and Gran Vía meet. Subsequently, the procession will return via the opposite lane to the main altar.
Reduced participation for security reasons
The Liturgy Commission has explained that, for security and organizational reasons, the number of people accompanying the Blessed Sacrament during the route has been limited compared to the usual Corpus Christi processions held each year in Madrid.
In the procession will participate deacons and acolytes, along with some children who have received First Communion this year, lay representatives, members of consecrated life, and priests. Behind them will walk cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, followed finally by the Holy Father accompanying the Blessed Sacrament.
The organization anticipates a large attendance of faithful at the celebration, which will be one of the central events of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Spain.
Nearly half a million communions expected to be distributed
The Liturgy Commission has also detailed the arrangements prepared for the distribution of Communion during the papal Mass. According to forecasts, nearly half a million people could receive Communion during the celebration.
The faithful located in the vicinity of Plaza de Cibeles will receive Communion from the hands of the concelebrating priests, while in other areas extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will be used.
It is planned to use about 2,300 pyxes with 200 consecrated hosts in each one. In addition, six churches in the center of Madrid will remain open until 2:00 p.m. to facilitate Communion for those who have not received it during the main celebration. In those churches, gluten-free hosts will also be offered.