Ana Torres Fonseca
Imagine receiving a phone call from the Catholic Church and being asked to host of one of the most important events of Leo XIV’s third apostolic journey. This is exactly what happened to Spanish journalists Christian Gálvez and Patricia Pardo.
CHRISTIAN GÁLVEZ
Television presenter in Spain
But possibly we are playing one of the most important professional matches of our lives, because we are responsible for serving as the link between Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic community of Madrid.
It's a wonderful challenge.
Both Gálvez and Pardo have extensive television careers in Spain; they are used to interacting with political leaders, movie stars, and celebrities. But what they will do for the pope's trip is a first for both.
CHRISTIAN GÁLVEZ
Television presenter in Spain
We never wanted to present ourselves as just a package of presenters, but here I think we are not a package of presenters, I think we are family. We are family, we are a couple, we are believers, we do not hide it, we speak about it openly, we have absolutely no fear or shame in acknowledging what we believe and in whom we believe. And being able to stand on a stage sharing that faith goes far beyond whatever professional polish we may have as presenters.
At 7:00pm on June 8, around 85,000 people will gather at Real Madrid’s stadium to meet with Pope Leo for the conclusion of his time in the Spanish capital. The number of expected pilgrims is overwhelming.
PATRICIA PARDO
Television presenter in Spain
I think that day I will only pray not to be fully aware of the number of people watching us, because people tell me, ‘But you’re used to speaking in public.’ No, I’m used to addressing people through television. In the end, a TV studio is something enclosed, a place where you are with your colleagues, with people who are familiar to you, but you are not truly aware of how many people are watching you. And I think there, I definitely will be.
A giant cross has already been installed at the Bernabéu stadium in preparation for Leo XIV's visit. But this is not the first time it has hosted a pope—St. John Paul II visited the venue in 1982. As the event approaches, the two masters of ceremonies, Gálvez and Pardo, are both excited and nervous. And who can blame them? The gathering at Bernabéu will be one of the largest of the pope's Apostolic Journey to Spain.
