This weekend in Madrid, Pope Leo XIV is making headlines as he competes for the spotlight with global music sensation Bad Bunny. As the pontiff embarks on a weeklong visit to Spain, he acknowledges the cultural impact Bad Bunny has, especially among the youth.
Before arriving in Madrid, Pope Leo spoke to reporters on his plane, recognizing the excitement surrounding Bad Bunny’s concerts. He noted that there seems to be a spiritual awakening among young people in Spain, a phenomenon he hopes to tap into during his visit.
“If they have to choose between Bad Bunny or the pope, I think many will choose Bad Bunny,” Leo said with a smile. “But I believe some will still be here for the pope, and that’s significant.”
The pope’s journey will include stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he aims to promote unity in a nation facing political and religious challenges. His visit comes at a time when many are seeking deeper meaning in their lives, a sentiment Pope Leo hopes to inspire.
In a light-hearted moment, he was asked about the Chicago Bears’ potential move to Hammond, Indiana. The Chicago-born pope quipped, “That’s out of my pay scale,” showcasing his down-to-earth personality.
When it comes to sports, the pope revealed his support for the United States in the upcoming World Cup and made a fun confession regarding his soccer allegiance, saying, “The pope is for all teams, but Prevost is Real Madrid,” referring to his birth name.
During his discussions, Pope Leo also touched on global issues like the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Lebanon. He recently stated that the Catholic Church’s “just war” doctrine is outdated, emphasizing the need for a new approach to peace.
As June 6 marks the anniversary of D-Day, the pope reminisced about his father, Louis Prevost, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. “My father was there,” he recalled, highlighting the personal connection he has to this significant historical event.
Louis Prevost participated in the Normandy landings as part of Operation Overlord, and after the war, he became a teacher and school principal in Chicago, raising three sons, including the future pope.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain presents a unique blend of tradition and modernity as he navigates the challenges of contemporary society while also engaging with cultural icons like Bad Bunny. His hope is to inspire young people to explore their spiritual journeys in a world filled with distractions.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
