The Pope's visit to Madrid: turnout and reflections from Majadahonda

The author reflects on the massive reception of the Pontiff in Madrid and current cinema and religious affairs.

Generic image of a microphone on an empty podium in an auditorium.
IA

Generic image of a microphone on an empty podium in an auditorium.

The Pope's recent visit to Madrid has gathered crowds, prompting reflections on faith, public turnout, and current social and cinematic events.

The Supreme Pontiff has visited Madrid, an event that, despite the country's secular declaration, has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for public gathering. Official media have highlighted the arrival of the Pope, whom the author considers a Head of State with a significant public presence, even mentioning his confrontation with Trump.
The author, who identifies as Augustinian, shares his personal impression of the Pope, finding him approachable. He describes the atmosphere in Madrid during the visit as "unbearable" due to the large influx of people, but also evokes images of "joyful groups of nuns" and references to musicals like "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," connecting with the music that entered churches in past times, such as Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind."
The text recalls the 1997 incident in Bologna, where Bob Dylan performed before John Paul II despite a boycott by Cardinal Ratzinger (later Benedict XVI), who considered Dylan a "modern antichrist." The article suggests that music, both "heavenly" and "other," is heard in the Vatican, comparing the anthem of "Vatican City" to the activities of "citizen Prevost" in Madrid.
The report links the papal visit to the film "La luz" (The Light), directed by Fernando Franco and starring Alberto San Juan, which is being screened at the Zoco cinema in Majadahonda. The film addresses the issue of clerical abuse victims, a matter the Church "must tackle head-on." The author praises the bravery of the priest played by San Juan in making the "misdeeds" public after attempting a "compromise" with some victims.
The author concludes by welcoming the Pope and his message of peace, highlighting his ecumenical openness and the idea that religion is about "'religare'" – to unite. The reflection is made from Majadahonda, a locality the author still considers his "village" despite it now being a "city."