The Government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso estimates that the Pope’s trip to Madrid, from June 6 to 9, will generate a return of between 90 and 120 million euros, according to the spokesperson of the regional Government, Miguel Ángel García Martín, who announced it yesterday. The Madrid Executive will use various infrastructures, both owned and contracted, during those days for the different meetings that the Pontiff will have with citizens and pilgrims coming from different parts of Spain and around the world.
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In addition, banners will be installed on all the facades of the ministries and the Presidency, and the facade of the Royal House of the Post Office in Sol will be illuminated with the colors of the Vatican flag, yellow and white. Also, about 560 doctors, nurses, and emergency health technicians from Summa 112 will attend to participants in the various events.
Royal House of the Post Office, press center
The 3,600 square meters of the Royal House of the Post Office will become the International Press Center to host more than 2,000 journalists who will cover the different events. Press conferences will be held in the two inner courtyards. It will have more than 700 workstations and 40 LED screens and panels to follow live broadcasts. Accredited reporters will receive a welcome pack that includes a connectivity card, water bottles, and discounts at 54 restaurants near Puerta del Sol, 12 of which are over a hundred years old.
Movistar Arena, event with civil society
At the Movistar Arena, Pope Leo XIV will have a meeting with civil society, attended by representatives from the fields of education, science, culture, employment, and health.
Ifema, farewell with volunteers
Pavilion 3 of Ifema will be used on the last day of the visit to the capital for a meeting of the Holy Father with more than 2,400 volunteers who will collaborate in the events with the police and health services during those days.
The Canal de Isabel II will supply water
The Canal de Isabel II has designed a special potable water supply device to serve Madrilenians and pilgrims. It will install 18 supply structures with a total of 162 water points distributed in Plaza de Lima, Paseo de la Castellana, and Plaza de Cibeles. Additionally, there will be two Water Trucks to facilitate water access for people with reduced mobility. This operation will be complemented with 22 public fountains installed along the main routes of the scheduled events. Furthermore, pilgrims will have a 20% discount on shows at the Teatro del Canal from June 6 to 9. And there will be free dance and DJ shows in that area from Saturday to Sunday.
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And to withstand the heat, the Ministry of Presidency, Justice, and Local Administration will distribute 11,500 hats among attendees at outdoor events.
6,000 preloaded cards at 28.08 euros
Mobility will not be easy. In Madrid city, EMT buses and Bicimadrid will be free from June 3 to 9. The Community of Madrid will market 500,000 multi-use cards with a special design related to the Pope’s visit and will launch 6,000 preloaded cards costing 28.08 euros. These will be given to volunteers and the organizing committee to move around the region.
80 schools and 20 institutes for pilgrims
Another relevant issue is accommodation for pilgrims. The Community of Madrid will provide 80 schools and 20 institutes so that pilgrims can stay in the courtyards and gyms from the afternoon of Friday, June 5 until 10 p.m. on Sunday in Madrid municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants.
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Gastronomy will have its place
Gastronomy will also have its place during the papal visit. The Madrid Artisan Pastry Association will create a commemorative sweet. And emblematic pastry shops such as La Mallorquina and Viena Capellanes will offer traditional sweets, such as San Isidro doughnuts, San Lorenzo de El Escorial biscuits, Alcalá de Henares costradas, Morata de Tajuña palmeritas, Valdemoro feos, or Guadarrama francisquitos, both to journalists covering the event and to locals and visitors who come to the city during those days.
