The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, was received this Sunday morning in audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace of Vatican City. The meeting, of a private nature, took place on the occasion of a private trip by the mayor to the Italian capital, as reported by Madrid City Hall. During the visit, which Almeida described as a “privilege and an extraordinary opportunity”, both addressed common societal challenges such as the ability to maintain social cohesion and trying to leave no one behind, as the mayor explained. Almeida assured that he had met “a Pope who is extraordinarily close and affectionate with Madrid and the people of Madrid” and to whom he reiterated “the invitation to come and visit us.” During the reception, Almeida presented the Pontiff with a silver sculpture of the Virgin of La Almudena, patroness of the capital, as well as a book with photos of Madrid, among other gifts. Almeida was received, on March 18, 2023, by Pope Francis, who died on April 21, on the occasion of the celebration of the 4th centenary of the canonization of San Isidro Labrador and of the jubilee year granted by the Holy See to the capital, celebrated between May 15, 2022 and May 15, 2023. This reception had its anecdote, when the PP greeted the mayor of Madrid with these words: “Ah, the heir of the great Manuela”, in reference to the former mayor of the capital Manuela Carmena. The advisor greeted the comment with good humor and smiled as he shook Francisco’s hand. On this occasion, Almeida attended the reception with the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the delegate of the Sánchez government, Mercedes González, as representatives of the three administrations. The Pope’s greeting to the mayor was the most talked about anecdote of the day, although Almeida later avoided commenting on the allusion to Carmena. Earlier, President Ayuso addressed the Pope with the words “Holiness, nice to meet you.” The regional president then highlighted that during the hearing, Francisco had been particularly interested in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the region. Likewise, the Pope asked all Madrid political representatives “to show unity” and “dedicate themselves to vulnerable people”.
About The Author
