Madrid hosts Pope and Antonio Banderas for celebration of art, culture, economy and sport

Pope Leo met with representatives of arts, culture, sports and economy in Madrid on Sunday (June 7).

The meeting included a speech by Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and a traditional flamenco dance.

The pontiff mentioned the importance of sports to confront violence and hate.

In his speech, Leo urged Europe not to forget its long ties to the Christian faith, explaining that the Church had played a key role in public life through the construction of hospitals and schools and the creation of art and culture.

Leo began his trip on Saturday (June 6) with meetings with migrants and the homeless and a vigil with about 600,000 young people in Madrid. 

He said he hoped the visit, his first to an EU country outside Italy, would set an example to the world about respecting "every human being" and urged leaders to stop dividing electorates.

His June 6-12 visit also includes stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants who have risked their lives crossing there from West Africa.

Production: Reim Nahaboo/Reuters