Pope Leo XIV Acknowledges Competition with Bad Bunny During Spain Visit
Pope Leo XIV made light of a modern dilemma facing him during his visit to Spain: who would young people prefer to see, him or Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny. As he arrived in Madrid for a weeklong trip, the Pope noted that many young people might choose to attend Bad Bunny’s concert over a papal appearance.
“Honestly, if you ask them, ‘Do you want to see Bad Bunny or do you want to see the Pope?’ I think a lot will choose Bad Bunny,” he told reporters during his flight.
Despite the playful competition, the Pope expressed hope that his presence would inspire young people. He remarked on a growing search for spiritual meaning among young adults in Spain and hoped to be a part of that awakening.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is currently performing a series of shows in the city. His popularity among the youth is undeniable, but the Pope still drew quite a crowd, with an estimated 500,000 people gathering in a Madrid plaza for a prayer vigil. Many were seen chanting slogans like, “This is the youth of the Pope!”
During his time in Madrid, the Pope even rode through the crowd in his popemobile while music from the classic musical “Godspell” played in the background. His warm reception from young Catholics showcased that the Church still holds significance for many, even amid the appeal of contemporary pop culture.
