More than 1.2 million people packed the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated a huge open-air Mass in what became the biggest event of his week-long visit to Spain. Organisers said crowds filled Plaza de Cibeles and surrounding avenues from the early hours of the morning, creating one of the largest religious gatherings the country has seen in recent years.

The extraordinary turnout highlighted the continuing influence of the Catholic Church in Spain, despite the country becoming increasingly secular over recent decades. Thousands travelled from across Spain to attend, while many others queued before dawn to secure a place close to the procession route.

Crowds fill Madrid’s iconic streets

As the Pope arrived in his white popemobile, worshippers waved flags, cheered and showered the route with flower petals. The Mass took place around Madrid’s famous Plaza de Cibeles, with crowds stretching far beyond the square itself. Organisers and Vatican officials estimated attendance at around 1.2 million people.

Sunday’s celebration coincided with Corpus Christi observances, a major event in the Catholic calendar. Floral displays decorated parts of the procession route, while worshippers joined prayers and religious ceremonies under clear skies and soaring temperatures.

Pope’s message focuses on compassion

During his homily, Pope Leo urged Catholics to put their faith into action by helping those in need. He spoke about supporting the poor, vulnerable and isolated members of society, encouraging worshippers to look beyond private devotion and engage with their communities.

The pontiff also repeated calls for societies to remain welcoming and inclusive, themes that have featured heavily throughout his first official visit to Spain. His trip began with meetings involving migrants and homeless people and will continue with visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

Spain welcomes first papal visit in 15 years

The visit marks the first papal tour of Spain in 15 years and has attracted huge public interest. The night before the Mass, an estimated 600,000 young people attended a vigil with the Pope in Madrid, suggesting strong enthusiasm among younger generations despite declining religious observance nationally.

For many attendees, the day was about more than religion. The gathering became a powerful display of unity, culture and tradition, with Madrid transformed into the focal point of the Catholic world for a day.

As Pope Leo continues his Spanish tour, Sunday’s million-strong turnout will likely be remembered as one of the defining images of his visit – a sea of worshippers filling the heart of Madrid in a historic show of faith.

With the cost of living continuing to rise across Europe, many households are feeling the pressure of everyday expenses more than ever before. Recent reports have highlighted how food prices, energy bills and taxes remain among the biggest concerns for families trying to balance their monthly budgets. While some costs vary depending on where people live, the overall feeling is clear: many essentials are becoming harder to afford.

For many people, supermarket prices are now one of the biggest worries. Montserrat Llois said: “Food shopping and heating bills, we are in the UK.” reflecting growing concerns across Britain of the rising grocery costs and higher energy prices that continue to stretch family finances. Similar concerns were raised by Marie Craig, who simply stated: “Food & IVA”. The mention of IVA, often linked to debt repayment arrangements, highlights how some people are not only worried about rising prices but also existing financial commitments.

Others pointed to the increasing cost of household bills and taxes. Ena Cummings said: “The taxes, electric, water and insurance things are getting costly”. Utility bills remain a major concern in many countries, with electricity and water prices increasing steadily over recent years. Insurance costs have also risen, adding another pressure for families already trying to manage tight budgets.

Living expenses in Spain were also mentioned by Angela Edgley, who explained: “In Spain – food and electricity, and high vat. Home items such as good curtains and furniture are also expensive in Spain. Eating out is still good with menu del dias.” Her comments show how everyday necessities and household goods can vary greatly in price depending on the country, although affordable dining options still provide some relief for residents and visitors alike.

Not everyone focused on essential bills, however. Paul Johnson summed up his biggest concern in one word: “Beer”. David Cooke added a similar view, saying: “Beer, tobacco & cafè.” While light-hearted, these comments reflect how rising prices are also affecting leisure spending and small daily comforts that many people enjoy.

Overall, the poll showed that food costs and household bills remain the biggest everyday expense worries for most people. Whether in the UK, Spain or elsewhere, rising prices continue to affect both essential living costs and the little luxuries people value in everyday life.

Firefighters and specialist teams were called out to tackle a dramatic grass fire that broke out in Mijas on Sunday evening. Thick plumes of smoke and visible flames drew attention across the local area near the boundary between Pueblo La Campana and La Sierrezuela. Local authorities confirmed no evacuations needed to take place after police checked the entire vicinity for safety.

Multiple teams working together

Mijas firefighters arrived promptly on scene, supported by local police and Guardia Civil officers. Infoca units joined the effort with a water tanker and forest fire specialists. Operational services also supplied additional fire engines to aid suppression activities. Crews focused their initial actions on the affected dry vegetation zone.

Low-intensity fire brought under control after midnight

Operations achieved success shortly after midnight with the incident declared contained. Responders said the fire lacked high thermal power because it involved mainly dry grass and bushes. Visible flames and dense smoke had spread across viewpoints in the surrounding districts, yet crews managed the situation effectively without major complications.

Residents voice concerns over fire near schools

Local people expressed concerns about the fire’s closeness to school areas. Authorities updated that teams had protected the Pueblo La Campana section and moved on to cooling operations around other sites. Firefighters continued targeted work in this part of the perimeter to make sure the blaze did not reignite.

Public cooperation requested during overnight efforts

Mijas Council advised residents to keep clear of the location so emergency personnel could get to work without interference. No evacuations proved necessary throughout the response. Teams stayed active throughout the night to complete full extinguishment and monitor for any potential flare-ups in the affected terrain.

This rapid action prevented the grass fire from spreading further in the Mijas area. Coordinated involvement from council, regional, and specialist forest services demonstrated effective local emergency management. Residents can expect continued presence of vehicles and personnel in the zone during final checks.

Mijas council had reminded local landowners recently about the importance of keeping their land in good order with grass and bushes cut back so as to avoid just this kind of incident.