During Pope Leo XIV's prayer vigil with young people in Plaza de Lima, in the capital city of Madrid, a large, 82-ft cross towered above the massive gathering. It had been erected for the pope's visit to Spain, but now there is a chance it will become a permanent landmark of the city skyline.
The special announcement was made on social media by Borja Carabante, the second deputy mayor of the City Council:
“The large cross that presided over the vigil that Leo XIV shared with the young people will remain in Madrid as a memento of a historic visit and as a symbol of our Christian roots.”
While it is confirmed that the cross will remain, it has not yet been decided whether the city will keep the cross in the same location or move it somewhere else.
Naturally, many people in Madrid and Spain think the original spot is best, since it marks where the prayer vigil took place.
Either way, the faithful of Spain are surely overjoyed to hear that this memento of Pope Leo's journey will become a part of the city.
James O'Reilly
