Pope Leo XIV held a private talk with Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium on June 8. Two men who’ve faced sharp words from U.S. President Donald Trump about immigration met face-to-face during the papal visit to Spain.
According to Yahoo! News, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that Bad Bunny “was with his family and some other people” when Leo “greeted them briefly before leaving the stadium.” No photos will be released.
Around 80,000 people visited the stadium. They came for a gathering with the pontiff on day three of Leo’s trip. His time in the capital coincided with concerts by the reggaeton artist at the Metropolitano stadium as part of his Debi Tirar Mas Fotos world tour.
Bad Bunny’s album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, won Album of the Year at this year’s GRAMMYs. The artist, whose given name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, grew up singing in his church choir in Puerto Rico.
On the plane to Madrid on June 6, Leo joked about facing competition from the music star who was giving concerts in the Spanish capital at the same time. “I think many will see Bad Bunny. But I think there will also be a few here to see the pope. And that says something,” he said.
The 70-year-old pontiff is on a week-long tour of Spain. Immigration will be at the top of the agenda as he meets immigrants and groups helping to support them.