The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, held a private audience today with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. During the hour-long meeting, Ayuso expressed the "absolute joy and pride" that the Holy Father will "enter Spain through Madrid," for the apostolic visit beginning this Saturday and extending for four days in the region.
The president stated they spoke "about faith, but also about knowing oneself as a community and the Christian values that are so celebrated in Madrid." She conveyed to the Pontiff the image of a Madrid "with life in the streets, openness, a mix of cultures, joy, that integrates, celebrates in community, and looks with great optimism towards the future," a city that "will celebrate with him and knows how to welcome citizens from all corners of Spain and the world who will come these days."
As a gesture of courtesy and gratitude for his upcoming visit to Spain, where he will be in Madrid from June 6th to 9th, Díaz Ayuso presented the Holy Father with the International Medal of the Community of Madrid, calling it "our highest distinction."
The head of the regional executive also gifted León XIV a personalized, special edition book. This book includes images of how Madrileños experience major Catholic celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, in various municipalities of the region, including Buitrago del Lozoya, San Lorenzo del Escorial, Daganzo, Chinchón, and Morata de Tajuña. "We didn't want to give him a conventional gift, but rather prepare something with care and detail," the president highlighted.
Additionally, she presented him with a selection of Madrid products, such as pastries from Morata de Tajuña and sponge cakes from San Lorenzo de El Escorial. "Whenever I have the opportunity, wherever I go, I like to bring products from Madrid so people know how well things are made here," she emphasized.
In subsequent statements to the media, Díaz Ayuso highlighted that the meeting allowed for discussion of "current concerns," with a particular emphasis on the situation of young people, the crisis of loneliness in modern societies, and the challenges arising from technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence. She underscored the need to foster integration and community as ways to resolve these crises, stressing the importance of "talking more amongst ourselves."
Regarding the Pope's imminent arrival in the capital, the president expressed her "excitement" and defined the visit as a "wonderful opportunity." Díaz Ayuso hopes the Pontiff will receive a message of "unity" from Spain and that the country will be able to "set aside differences for a while" to celebrate.
