The Spanish capital is gearing up to host the visit of Pope Leo XIV on June 8th. The Archdiocese of Madrid is meticulously organizing a large-scale gathering at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, anticipating the attendance of approximately 70,000 individuals.

The event, scheduled to commence two hours prior to the Pontiff's arrival, will feature a program blending magic, music, and religious elements. Diocesan priest Fernando Rubio described the stage setup as designed to make the Holy Father feel "at home," despite not being a full 360-degree setup due to security considerations.

Television presenter Christian Gálvez and journalist Patricia Pardo will host the event. The entertainment lineup includes performances by artists such as David Bustamante, Daniel Diges, Diana Navarro, Íñigo Quintero, and magician Jorge Blass, among others. Additionally, a 1,000-singer Family Choir of Madrid, accompanied by 70 musicians and 100 dancers, will perform under the direction of priest Toño Casado.

The musical repertoire will span from classical to contemporary compositions, featuring the specially commissioned anthem "Alza la mirada" (Raise Your Gaze). Gates will open at 3:00 PM, the event will begin at 4:30 PM, and Pope Leo XIV is expected to arrive at 7:00 PM. The event is projected to conclude around 8:30 PM.

Concurrently, the Madrid City Council has adorned various city locations with 99,182 seasonal flowers in white and yellow, the colors of the Vatican, as part of a broader planting campaign involving over 560,000 specimens.

The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, announced that he will present the Golden Key of Madrid to Pope Leo XIV before Sunday's mass, expressing gratitude for the "historic opportunity" for the city and advising the public to use public transport and adopt flexible work schedules during the papal visit week.