Pope Leo XIV received a rockstar welcome in Madrid on Saturday as thousands of people lined the streets for his first public appearance in Spain.

It came just hours after joking that many young people would probably prefer to see Bad Bunny than the head of the Catholic Church.

The historic visit has already produced several landmark moments, including the first papal trip to Spain in 15 years and Leo’s first major speech on Spanish soil at Madrid’s Royal Palace.

But perhaps the most striking images came later in the day as the pontiff embarked on his first open-air tour through the Spanish capital.

Crowds packed the streets and pavements to catch a glimpse of the Pope as the famous popemobile travelled through Princesa, Alberto Aguilera and the Glorieta de Bilbao before arriving at Plaza de Colon.

From there, Leo transferred to a closed vehicle for the final leg of the journey to the Apostolic Nunciature.

The enthusiastic reception came after the Pope made an unexpected reference to reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny during his flight to Madrid.

With the Puerto Rican artist performing two sold-out concerts in the Spanish capital this weekend, journalists asked Leo about engaging younger generations with the Church.

The Pope admitted he understood the challenge.

‘If you asked them whether they want to see Bad Bunny or the Pope, I think many would choose Bad Bunny,’ he said with a smile.

However, he insisted there was still reason for optimism.

‘I also think some will come to see the Pope. And that says a lot.’

Leo said many young people today are searching for meaning in their lives despite growing up without a strong spiritual background.

‘Young people who are looking for something more often realise there is a void, a lack of meaning,’ he said.

‘Perhaps my visit can help awaken something they don’t even know how to define.’

The comments offered a glimpse of the more relaxed and approachable side of the new pontiff, whose visit has already featured strong messages on issues ranging from clerical abuse to political polarisation.

The Pope’s remarks about Bad Bunny quickly attracted attention on Spanish social media, where users joked that Madrid had become the centre of two very different global phenomena this weekend.

For one day at least, the Spanish capital found itself hosting both one of the world’s biggest music stars and the leader of the Catholic Church.