While acknowledging that many youth will be at the concert, he also recognized that some will choose to be at the prayer vigil with him: "And that says something."
Two big headliners are both holding events popular with young people this evening in Madrid: Pope Leo and a rather different star, Puerto Rican pop singer Bad Bunny.
Pope Leo, who is expected to gather thousands of young people from around the nation for a prayer vigil this evening in Madrid's Plaza de Lima, told CNN reporter Christopher Lamb on the plane en route to Spain that he was aware the pop musician also has a concert tonight.
The star is beginning a European tour in Spain, with 10 concerts in Madrid and two in Barcelona.
“I think many [young people] will see Bad Bunny. But I think there will also be a few here to see the Pope. And that says something, you know," the Pope said.
Bad Bunny wants to meet Pope Leo
There is even talk that the two might meet, not perhaps in person, but in some format. Cardinal José Cobo, archbishop of Madrid, said last month that such an event is possible and that the archdiocese could help to make it happen. The spokesperson for the archdiocese said the singer had expressed interest in meeting Pope Leo, knowing their schedules would overlap.
The prayer vigil this evening is Pope Leo's first big event on the trip. On the flight over, he told journalists that young people are a big part of his Spain itinerary:
There are many Catholics [in Spain], and I would especially like to highlight the presence of young people. From what I have been told, a large number of young people will participate with great enthusiasm. By sharing together in the joy of faith, I believe we can offer a very positive message.
