POPE LEO XIV DREW MORE THAN 12,000 PEOPLE TO MOVISTAR ARENA

In early June, Pope Leo XIV brought together more than 12,000 people at Madrid’s Movistar Arena for Weaving Networks with the World of Culture, Education, Business and Sport, a non-liturgical event held during his visit to Spain.

The Pontiff, Robert Prevost, received a seven-minute standing ovation as he made his way through the central aisle. Hosted by Lara Síscar and Carlos Franganillo, the event transformed the arena into a forum for social dialogue.

The programme combined personal testimonies, keynote speeches and artistic performances. Antonio Banderas reflected on the historic relationship between the Church and the arts, Sara Baras brought flamenco to the stage, and Rozalén closed the event with a performance of Y Busqué. Olympic champions Carolina Marín and Teresa Perales also took part, sharing their reflections on resilience, inclusion and humility in sport.

The business and employment session featured Antonio Garamendi, Ángela de Miguel, Unai Sordo and Pepe Álvarez, who discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the importance of social dialogue, and the need to keep people at the centre of technological and economic change. José María Coello de Portugal, Vice-Rector of Complutense University of Madrid, represented the education sector.

In his address, Leo XIV highlighted listening, respect and dialogue as essential tools for addressing social fragmentation. He described “weaving networks” as building connections between culture, universities, business, sport and public institutions, while ensuring support for those in the most vulnerable situations.

Thanks to the continued trust of event producer Acciona, Fluge Audiovisuales supplied the lighting and video systems. Below is a selection of the main equipment deployed.

12 MARTIN ERA 800 PERFORMANCE

10 CLAY PAKY SCENIUS PROFILE

20 CLAY PAKY SHARPY PLUS

24 MARTIN MAC QUANTUM WASH

1 ROBERT JULIAT ARAMIS 2500

12 SGM Q7

12 MARTIN ERA 800 PERFORMANCE

8 CHAUVET STRIKE ARRAY 4

12 BLINDER 2LITES LED ACME BL

4 SHOWTEC TURBINA SF-250 RADIAL TOURING

1 MA GRAND MA3 LIGHT

1 CHAMSYS MAGICQ MQ500M STADIUM