The ceremony, held at the Madrid City Hall, was attended by the King and Queen of Spain, the Princess of Asturias, and the Infanta Sofía. This award, the highest institutional honor granted by the municipal government, is traditionally given to visiting foreign heads of state.

During the event, the pontiff signed the city's Guest Book. In his message, he expressed his hope that Madrid would continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city, inspired by shared human values.

The award is a piece of goldsmithing that replicates the ancient keys of the city's historic walls. The event followed the municipal Protocol and Ceremonial Regulations and served as a prelude to the religious events scheduled for this Sunday at Plaza de Cibeles.