SLU-Madrid Reflects on Pope Leo XIV's Historic Visit to Spain
Members of the Saint Louis University-Madrid community joined hundreds of thousands of people across Spain this month as Pope Leo XIV made his first apostolic journey to the country from June 6-12.
The visit brought the pontiff to Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, where he celebrated Masses, met with government officials, religious leaders, young people, migrants and volunteers, and encouraged dialogue, service and solidarity.
James O'Leary, S.J., campus chaplain at SLU-Madrid, said he was struck by the enthusiasm surrounding the Pope's visit to Madrid.
"Like many of us here in Spain, I was amazed at the reception that Pope Leo received in Madrid," O'Leary said. "Over a million people participated in the open-air Mass. Hundreds of thousands of others participated in the prayer vigil. It was heartening to witness, and I believe his visit marks a turning point in the life of the church here in Spain and possibly throughout the world."
O'Leary said the pope's message resonated strongly with the Jesuit values that guide the University's mission.
"Under the pope's guidance, the church is once again opening itself to the world and inviting all people of goodwill to participate in the mission of Jesus: 'Love God, with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself,'" he said. "In Jesuit terms, his message is calling us to truly be men and women for and with others."
Beatrice Torres de Azcárraga of Student Life said the Pope's interactions with young people and vulnerable communities left a lasting impression.
"The visit of Pope Leo to Madrid was a truly inspiring experience," Torres de Azcárraga said. "Seeing so many people come together in faith, and witnessing his genuine compassion, especially in his interactions with children, young people and those served by Cáritas, demonstrated his deep commitment to humanity and the Gospel."
She added that the visit resonated with the University's Catholic and Jesuit identity.
"As someone of strong faith who works at a Jesuit Catholic university, his message resonated deeply with our mission of pursuing truth for the greater glory of God and the service of humanity," she said.
Jimena Theus of the Office of Admissions joined the crowds gathered outside the Apostolic Nunciature before the pope departed for the Mass in Plaza de Cibeles.
"I joined the large crowd gathered outside the Apostolic Nunciature, where he stayed during his four days in Madrid," Theus said. "The street outside his residence was packed with families, elderly people and even pets who had come to catch a glimpse of him."
"The atmosphere was incredibly moving and full of emotion, and I felt excited and grateful to witness such a significant occasion in person and to be part of a truly historic event," she said.
Among those who attended events during the visit was Roweena Sehwani, receptionist at SLU-Madrid, who saw the pope twice as he traveled through the Spanish capital.
"I was delighted to see the pope twice, as he passed by the busy streets of Madrid," Sehwani said. "The people around me were all very nice and fun-loving. We shared stories of our family and friends as we eagerly awaited his arrival."
Despite the June heat, Sehwani described the experience as unforgettable.
"The pope was kind enough to take his time to greet everyone on the streets and made us feel his love and care for us all," she said. "I felt so proud to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure."
Isaiah Voss, Marketing and Communications staff and SLU-Madrid alumnus, reflected on the unique connection he felt while watching the first American pope visit Spain.
"The presence of an American pope in the streets of Madrid speaking Spanish — and knowing he lived abroad — somehow just made sense as a SLU-Madrid alum and employee," Voss said.
Throughout his visit, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of encounter, service and global solidarity, messages that resonated with many members of the University community. His presence drew massive crowds in Madrid and beyond, underscoring the continued significance of faith and community in contemporary Spanish society.
For those who witnessed the visit firsthand, the week was more than a chance to see a pope in person. It was a reminder of the values of compassion, dialogue and service that remain central to both the Catholic Church and the mission of Saint Louis University.