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.

Marbella council has started works to remove six high-voltage pylons in the Nueva Andalucia district and bury nearly two kilometres of electrical cabling safely underground. The project targets lines for Marbella Paraiso and Cosol Nueva Andalucia, right in the heart of this residential zone and next to homes. Residents will benefit from improved safety once the structures and overhead wires go.

Council actions hope to clear these installations and return space to local people for everyday use. Investment reaches around €2 million, paid for by a private urban development now underway in the area.

Safety gains and neighbourhood space recovery

The council has called the district a priority area backed up over recent council terms. Similar tower removals have already finished in Calle Castilla and around Calle Salduba. Cable burial work continues at the moment in Calle Rio Real.

Older developments from past decades often ignored key requirements such as communications networks, sanitation systems, steady electricity supply and smooth urban fit for high-voltage lines. Current efforts are now looking at fixing these shortfalls and preparing the town for coming growth.

More areas targeted in coming phases

The council also plans similar works across zones such as Bello Horizonte, Las Medranas, Nueva Andalucia and Rio Real. These steps could eventually clear close to 50 high-voltage pylon towers across the whole city in the medium to long term.

Close ties with electricity provider Endesa have supported a specific plan for the removal and burial of medium voltage lines. One major element involves a new substation in the northern section of the San Pedro Alcantara industrial estate. Local business groups have long called for this facility to support future housing and commercial projects.

Impulse for modernised infrastructure across Marbella

The council has said that expansion in the district should also upgrade the town and make up for past infrastructure shortfalls. The approach looks past just new homes alone and is meant to raise daily living standards for people already there through better facilities overall.