August 18, 2011 – At around 11:40 am (Madrid time) Barajas airport was already jump-packed with pilgrims, military escorts, dignitaries, Spanish prelates, press people and onlookers waiting for the Alitalia flight which carries Pope Benedict XVI and his papal entourage in time for World youth Day 2011. At 12:00 noon, the Plane carrying the Pope has landed and taxied for about 5 minutes or so. Minutes later, the Royal Couple of Spain, King Carlos III and Queen Sophia walked over the red-carpet covered tarmac and waited for the Pope to descend. The door of the plane opened and cheers bursts from the Pilgrims present at the airport upon seeing the Pope. What was amazing about the Royal Couple of Spain is that they were never afraid of kneeling down and kissing the hand of the Pope despite the prevailing perception of most Spanish liberals, secularists and progressives against Pope Benedict XVI. In today’s era, that would mean the state is bowing to religion, but on the contrary it is just a simple gesture of respect. This act of homage by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia has been repeated several times whenever they meet the Pope or bid farewell to him during his stay in Madrid.

The Pope, and the Spanish Royalties walked towards the pedestal and took time standing there for a moment or so as the National anthem of Spain and Vatican City where played by the National Band. They then proceeded to the stage set for the Pope and the Spanish King and Queen where dignitaries and prelates greeted the Pope. King Carlos first delivered his Welcome Speech, then the Pope followed by delivering his first ever speech for World Youth Day 2011. After the Speech Pope Benedict XVI and the Spanish King and Queen proceeded inside the Barajas Lounge where they briefly talked. After the meeting, the Pope then proceeded to the exit where his brand new Popemobile is waiting and throngs of Spanish Kids dressed as mini-Swiss guards lined up the hallway to greet the Holy Father. from Barajas airport, Pope Benedict XVI entered the City Proper of Madrid for the first time inside his Popemobile.

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