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Pope in Madrid: Weaving networks to safeguard the soul of society
At a gathering bringing together voices from culture, education, business and sport, Pope Leo XIV calls for dialogue, human dignity and a renewed sense of the common good.
By Linda Bordoni
On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV took time to engage with representatives of the worlds of art, education, economy and sport, and invited them to become “new protagonists” in weaving bonds of solidarity, dialogue and hope in an increasingly fragmented world.
Speaking on Sunday evening at Madrid’s Movistar Arena during the event entitled “Weaving Networks with the Worlds of Culture, Art, the Economy and Sport,” the Pope reflected on the responsibility shared by institutions and individuals alike to safeguard the human person amid rapid social and technological change.
The event brought together artists, academics, business leaders, trade union representatives and athletes in a conversation aimed at fostering dialogue between the Church and contemporary society.
Among those addressing the Pope were actor Antonio Banderas, who reflected on the enduring relationship between faith and artistic expression; José María Coello de Portugal, Rector of the Complutense University of Madrid, speaking on behalf of the educational and scientific community; representatives of business and labour organisations discussing the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and economic transformation; and celebrated athletes Teresa Perales and Carolina Marín, who highlighted the values of resilience, humility and solidarity learned through sport.
Antonio Banderas addressing the Pope at the event (@Vatican Media)
What legacy are we leaving?
After having listened to the words of the speakers as well as a flamenco performance by acclaimed dancer, Sara Baras and her company, Pope Leo began his address by praising Spain’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting on the beauty woven throughout the country’s history—in its cities and monuments, universities and churches, music, art, dance and cuisine.
Yet admiration for the achievements of past generations, he said, inevitably gives rise to a question that concerns everyone: “What legacy are we leaving for the future and, by extension, what kind of community are we building?”
The Pope acknowledged society’s extraordinary capacity for innovation and communication, but warned that technological and economic progress risk losing their deeper purpose if they become detached from the human person.
“We run the risk of becoming experts in the media and effective producers,” he said, “yet uncertain as to why, for what purpose, with whom and for whom we produce.”
Sara Baras and her flamenco company at the Weaving Networks event in Madrid (@Vatican Media)
The Church an “expert in humanity”
Echoing the teaching of Saint Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to dialogue with the contemporary world.
“The decisive question remains the same,” he said. “What does it mean to be truly human?” Drawing on the Church’s centuries-long experience accompanying humanity through history, the Pope explained that the Christian faith proposes paths toward dignity and the common good because it recognises in Jesus Christ the answer to the deepest questions of human existence.
Quoting from his recent document Magnifica Humanitas, he insisted that the human person remains “the way for the Church” and the centre of authentic, integral development.
For this reason, he continued, the Church cannot remain indifferent to culture, because culture itself is one of the principal ways through which humanity expresses and shapes its identity.
Carolina Marin and Teresa Perales address the Pope at the event (@Vatican Media)
What are we cultivating?
Reflecting on the etymological link between the words “culture” and “cultivation,” Pope Leo invited his audience to consider what contemporary society is sowing for future generations.
“What is flourishing,” he asked, “and what is silently withering in our society?” “What values are we preserving and which are we allowing to die?”
These questions, he said, require an honest and ongoing social dialogue rooted in listening, respect and encounter.
Building networks through dialogue
The central theme of the evening was expressed in the image of “weaving networks,” which the Pope described as an art that requires people and institutions to come together in mutual respect. Such dialogue, he said, must always be centred on human dignity.
Universities, he noted, should neither abandon truth nor isolate themselves from the realities of work. Businesses must never reduce employees to mere economic variables. Art should not become the preserve of elites. Sport should not be reduced to entertainment or profit. Technological progress must remain attentive to the elderly, the poor and those whose voices are rarely heard.
Communication itself, the Pope added, carries moral responsibility. “Every form of expression speaks and conveys meaning,” he said. “It can wound or heal, shatter expectations or open new horizons.”
Pope Leo XIV (@Vatican Media)
Created with threads of love
From a Christian perspective, Pope Leo explained, authentic dialogue begins with recognition of the intrinsic dignity of every human person.
“The Creator has woven human beings with threads of love,” he said, recalling that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God.
This dignity, he continued, is not granted by institutions or governments but is inherent and inalienable, and therefore constitutes the foundation of every genuine social relationship.
Beauty that transforms
The Pope’s reflections also returned repeatedly to the role of beauty and artistic expression.
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI’s observation that faith “creates poetry and music” and “creates beauty,” Pope Leo spoke of those experiences that change people from within: a song, a poem, a church, a voice, a glance, or even a game shared among friends.
He again pointed to Spain’s rich spiritual and artistic tradition—from Holy Week saetas to the writings of Lope de Vega, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross and Calderón de la Barca—as evidence of the profound dialogue between the material and the spiritual dimensions of human existence.
Faith’s contribution to society
Turning to the Christian contribution to public life, Pope Leo recalled the countless schools, hospitals and charitable initiatives established through the inspiration of faith.
Without seeking controversy, he invited his listeners to reflect on the extent to which Europe itself has been shaped by its Christian heritage. “Is it seriously possible to believe that Europe would be the same without the influence of faith?” he asked.
Echoing the words of Saint John Paul II, he repeated the appeal: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”
Pope Leo XIV addresses the public at Madrid’s Movistar Arena (@Vatican Media)
The cry of the poor
The Pope also placed the plight of the poor at the centre of his reflection. “Who are the ones being excluded despite their virtues and abilities?” he asked.
The condition of the poor, he insisted, remains a constant challenge to societies, political systems, economies and the Church itself.
Recalling the Church’s social teaching, he stressed that economic and institutional structures can be considered just only insofar as they promote the integral development of every person and encourage responsible participation by all.
Lessons from the playing field
Pope Leo concluded his speech reflecting on sport, a world he described as particularly familiar to him. Many people, he observed, learn respect, perseverance and fair play more effectively on a playing field than through formal instruction. Athletes, he added, teach society how to lose without bitterness, win without humiliating others and rise again after failure.
Recalling the words of Saint John Paul II, who was also an athlete, he noted that sport can offer a powerful witness to unity, peace and social cohesion at a time when violence and division threaten the bonds that hold communities together.
A renewed society
Concluding his address, Pope Leo called on all present to become protagonists in the construction of a renewed society.
A society, he said, where time remains open to eternity; where culture preserves memory and encourages dialogue; where education pursues truth with intellectual honesty; where art awakens wonder; where business recognises the dignity of every person; and where work remains a source of hope.
Invoking Saint Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep,” the Pope urged his listeners to live in harmony and peace.
For, he concluded, the future depends on whether humanity’s true greatness continues to shine forth: “Let us be new protagonists for weaving new networks that harmonise all areas of life.”
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