The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, said this Monday after her private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican that she found the Pontiff “full of enthusiasm” ahead of his imminent visit to Spain. During the meeting, which lasted approximately one hour, Ayuso presented the Holy Father with the International Medal of the Community of Madrid and informed him of the preparations the region is finalizing to welcome him between June 6 and 9.
In —politically correct— remarks to the media after leaving the Apostolic Palace, Ayuso explained that much of the conversation focused on the welcome the Pope will receive in Madrid and the atmosphere he will experience during his stay. “We mainly talked about the excitement his arrival brings us, about the Madrid he will find: a Madrid full of street life, openness, diversity and joy,” she stated.
One hour of conversation about Madrid, faith and young people
The Madrid president noted that during the audience both discussed issues related to faith, coexistence and some of the challenges facing Western societies. Among them, she mentioned the situation of young people, integration, Hispanic heritage and the growing crisis of loneliness affecting many people.
“We are aware that much of what is happening to us is because our societies are becoming smaller, we talk less to each other and we are more alone,” Ayuso reflected. In this regard, she highlighted the importance of community life and personal encounters as a response to many contemporary problems.
The president also explained that she shared with Leo XIV some concerns related to the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence, issues she described as common challenges for today’s societies.
A gift to show how Madrid lives its faith
During the audience, Ayuso presented the Pope with various gifts prepared especially for the occasion. Among them was a book compiled over the past few months containing photographs and testimonies from different religious celebrations in the Community of Madrid.
She explained that the publication showcases traditions such as the nativity scenes of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Buitrago de Lozoya, or the Passion plays held in towns like Chinchón, Morata de Tajuña and Daganzo.
“We wanted to prepare something for him with care and attention,” the president said, who also gave the Pontiff some typical Madrid products, including the bizcotelas from San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the palmeritas from Morata de Tajuña.
“He loves Spain very much”
Ayuso said that Leo XIV is approaching his upcoming apostolic journey with enthusiasm and highlighted the affection the Pontiff feels for Spain. “He is very excited because he loves Spain very much,” she stated.
Although she avoided revealing specific details of the private conversation —and did not want to discuss political topics— she repeatedly emphasized the anticipation with which the Pope awaits his visit. “The feeling he conveys to me is one of great excitement,” she reiterated.
Madrid prepares to welcome the Pope
The president expressed her hope that the visit will allow the world to see the current reality of Madrid and the atmosphere in the region. “I think we are a country that knows how to celebrate, that knows how to set aside differences for a moment and come together around what unites us,” she said.
Ayuso was convinced that Leo XIV’s visit will be an opportunity to strengthen ties among citizens and convey an image of hope, coexistence and community. “We leave with the excitement and hope that everything goes very well, that he feels very proud of Spain and of the Hispanic world,” she concluded.