During his visit to Spain, Pope Leo XIV met with two prominent figures from the Hispanic cultural world: Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. These meetings reflect the Pontiff’s interest in fostering dialogue between the Church and contemporary culture. 

One of the most significant moments occurred on Sunday, June 7, at the Movistar Arena in Madrid during the “Building Networks with the World of Culture, Art, Economy, and Sports” event. There, Banderas spoke with the Pope, reflecting on the relationship between artistic expression and spirituality. 

During his remarks, the Málaga-born actor extolled the value of art as a path to finding meaning. He confessed to the Pontiff that he had been “under God’s spell,” an expression that drew a warm response from the audience. 

Internationally known for his film career, Banderas has expressed his affinity for the religious traditions of Andalusia and his appreciation for expressions of popular faith on several occasions. 

“The Church has been the greatest producer of art in human history,” he said during the meeting, which was part of a broader dialogue Pope Leo initiated with representatives from various sectors of society. 

Former badminton player Carolina Marín and flamenco dancer Sara Baras were also in attendance at that same event. 

Pope meets privately with Bad Bunny 

The following day, Monday, June 8, the Pope met privately with Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and his family at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, according to the Vatican. 

The meeting occurred while the artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was performing a series of concerts in Spain. Reports indicate that the two greeted each other and chatted for several minutes while in Madrid. 

So far, no images of the meeting have been released, and the Holy See has not specified the topics discussed during the conversation. However, the meeting generated significant anticipation in the days leading up to it. 

In May, Cardinal José Cobo, the Archbishop of Madrid, noted that a meeting between the Pope and the singer could not be ruled out. In an interview with EWTN News, he said, “The Pope is always open to speaking with anyone who wants to talk with him.” 

Meetings with individuals like Banderas and Bad Bunny are part of the pastoral approach Pope Leo has promoted since the beginning of his pontificate, which involves building bridges between the Church and leading figures in contemporary culture. In various speeches, the Holy Father has emphasized that art, music, film, and other cultural expressions can become spaces where people can encounter one another, reflect, and search for truth.