Pope Leo XIV humorously remarked on Saturday about who would draw more young fans if they had to decide between attending his event or a concert by Latin pop sensation Bad Bunny this weekend.
Commencing his weeklong tour of Spain, the Pope noted the rivalry for attention with the famed Puerto Rican artist while in Madrid. He humorously hinted that many young Spaniards might prefer the Grammy-winning performer’s show over his own appearance.
“Faced with the choice of seeing Bad Bunny or the Pope, I suspect many would opt for Bad Bunny,” Leo quipped to journalists aboard his flight before touching down.
He continued with a chuckle, “However, some will come to see the Pope, and that means something, doesn’t it?”
Pope Leo XIV commented that if given the option, numerous young people would likely favor attending Bad Bunny’s show over meeting him. (Mariano Regidor/Getty Images; Gregorio Borgia/AP)
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, is currently performing a 10-show run in Madrid as part of his Spanish tour.
Leo raised the comparison while discussing what he described as signs of a spiritual awakening among some young people in Spain.
The pope said many young adults appear to be searching for meaning and expressed hope that his visit could help “awaken” something within them.
Pope Leo XIV was first brought to the Vatican by Francis to serve as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, which is one of the most important positions in the Catholic Church as it vets bishop nominations issued globally. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)
Despite his remarks, thousands of young Catholics turned out to greet the pope.
An estimated 500,000 people gathered in a Madrid plaza Saturday evening for a prayer vigil, chanting, “This is the youth of the pope!”
Leo later rode through the crowd in his popemobile while a Spanish rendition of the 1970s musical “Godspell” played.
Bad Bunny speaks during the Super Bowl LX halftime show press conference at Moscone Center on Feb. 5, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
The Chicago-born pope was also asked about reports that the Chicago Bears could soon move out of Illinois.
The team’s board of directors voted Thursday to advance a proposed stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana.
“That’s out of my pay (scale),” Leo quipped when asked about the potential relocation.
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