The operation, which will mobilize thousands of municipal personnel, includes special traffic, parking, and citizen assistance measures in anticipation of the large crowds expected during the scheduled events.
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor and delegate for Security and Emergencies, Inma Sanz; the delegate for Urbanism, Environment and Mobility, Borja Carabante; and the delegate for Social Policies, Family and Equality, José Fernández, presided over a coordination meeting with the municipal services. Representatives from the Municipal Police, SAMUR-Civil Protection, Firefighters, mobility, cleaning, and social services participated in the meeting held at Retiro Park.
The City Council highlights the visit as an event of "exceptional character, extraordinary relevance, and special interest for the city of Madrid," necessitating a special deployment to ensure both the smooth running of events and the safety of attendees.
“"We are activating the largest municipal operation ever deployed in our city to guarantee security and mobility during the visit of Leo XIV, demonstrating once again our capacity for…"
A temporary flexibility of the Regulated Parking Service (SER) has been implemented for residents in twelve neighborhoods affected by parking restrictions. These residents will be able to park in any green zone in the city until June 8. The measure affects neighborhoods such as Justicia, Cortes, Los Jerónimos, Recoletos, Castellana, El Viso, Hispanoamérica, Nueva España, Cuatro Caminos, Castillejos, Ríos Rosas, and Almagro.
Additionally, seven areas have been designated for bus parking, accommodating up to 1,360 vehicles in locations including Pitis, Las Tablas, Valdebebas, Caja Mágica, the vicinity of Parque del Oeste, and the Ensanche de Vallecas. The mobility operation will involve 480 Mobility Agents, with 310 specifically assigned to the central days of the papal visit.
The AZCA area will be a key point due to the youth vigil on Saturday at Plaza de Lima, with nearly total traffic restrictions anticipated in the area's tunnels, including progressive closures and potential extensions based on event developments. The City Council has launched a dedicated website with updated information on traffic diversions, alternative routes, and public transport.
Security is a primary focus of the operation, with approximately 4,000 Municipal Police officers and 1,000 SAMUR-Civil Protection personnel deployed. They will be joined by Madrid Firefighters for scenario supervision and emergency lane control. Around 1,900 Municipal Police officers will be dedicated to traffic regulation and escorting official delegations.
The events expected to draw the largest crowds are the youth vigil at Plaza de Lima and the Sunday mass at Plaza de Cibeles. For both, SAMUR-Civil Protection will set up nine advanced medical posts, equipped with medical staff, assistance vehicles, cycling units, motorcycles, and psychological support teams.
SAMUR has trained 2,600 volunteers in first aid and is disseminating recommendations on heatstroke and actions during large crowd situations. Madrid Salud has also enhanced water supply controls to ensure safe consumption.
The cleaning operation will involve 558 workers and 328 machines, with efforts concentrated in the main event areas and other sites such as the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the Congress of Deputies, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Movistar Arena, IFEMA, and the archbishop's residence. A total of 2,077 large-capacity containers and 428 additional bins have been installed.
SAMUR Social will deploy seven mobile units and 24 professionals, supported by ten volunteers, to assist vulnerable individuals. Three units will be operational at the Saturday vigil in Plaza de Lima, and four at the Sunday mass in Cibeles.
