The city of Sevilla is experiencing a day of profound religious emotion. This Friday, the Andalusian capital becomes the starting point for a youth mobilization on the occasion of the Holy Father's apostolic journey to Spain. Nine buses will transport half a thousand young Sevillians who will represent the Archdiocese at this meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
The meeting point for this display of youth and Christian commitment has been set at the esplanade of the Blas Infante metro station, from where the group will begin its journey to the Spanish capital to participate in an event that promises to mark the region's youth ministry.
The expedition, organized by the Diocesan Delegation for Youth Ministry and led by priest Manuel Jiménez, stands out for its heterogeneity. The pilgrims, aged between 14 and 30, come from an extensive network of parishes, brotherhoods, and ecclesial movements in Sevilla and its province. Institutions such as Santa María Magdalena of Villamanrique de la Condesa, San Sebastián of Sevilla, and brotherhoods like La Paz or Gran Poder, along with the Metropolitan Seminary, ensure comprehensive representation.
The Archbishop of Sevilla, Monsignor José Ángel Saiz Meneses, along with his auxiliary bishops, Monsignor Teodoro León and Monsignor Ramón Valdivia, will join the events in Madrid on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, closely accompanying the young people.
“"My image of the Pope is that of a person with a lot of vitality, being such a young Pope. The Holy Father exercises true leadership and influence, which for me is a reason for joy as he offers a renewed testimony of faith in the contemporary world."
“"He has conveyed a close pontificate to me. I hope the Holy Spirit continues to guide him."
“"A sign of hope."
The culminating moment will be the Vigil with Youth presided over by the Holy Father on Saturday, June 6. Óscar Silva, Sofía Ruiz, and Javier Madruga, along with Joaquín Sánchez, will represent Sevilla in a prominent space.
Music will also be a vehicle for unity. Siblings María and Quique Montes Lozano, musicians from the Youth Delegation of Sevilla, have participated in the recording of the song “Petrus,” an anthem that brings together artists and communities from all over Spain.
With the departure of the buses, Sevilla begins a journey of encounter and reflection. The young people depart with the hope of reaffirming their faith. As Óscar Silva states, “Catholics are not forgotten people or people of the past, but rather, today, we continue to believe in Christ.” The Hispalense Archdiocese thus experiences a historic weekend under the slogan: “Welcome Pope Leo”.
