August 19, 2011 – While many young people were busy attending their respective Catechetical events all over Madrid during day 4 of world youth day 2011, Pope Benedict XVI however met with Spain’s Royal family first thing in the morning during his second day in the spanish Capital. Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit to the Royal Zarzuela palace as part of a diplomatic protocol. The Royal family members were all present and had a photo op with Pope Benedict XVI headed by Spain’s Crowned King Juan Carlos and Crowned Queen Sofia with their children and their respective families: Victoria Federica Marichalar, Princess Elena, Felipe Juan Froilan Marichalar, Prince Felipe, Princess Leonor, Princess Sofia and Princess Letizia. It’s not surprising that Pope Benedict XVI made a courtesy visit to the Spanish Royal Family because World Youth Day is not only about church functions and liturgical celebrations, it is also meant for diplomatic and political relations. It’s a way of cementing relationships between the host country and that of the Vatican City State. It is also a way of thanking the Government of the host city for it’s generous welcome and hospitality for the youth of the World. In every diplomatic visit such as these, formality is always observed. There are certain protocols to be followed. But rituals aside, the Pope and the head of state visited by the Popes throughout the years had only one consistent agenda in their talks, that is, the welfare of all Catholics and Christians, all the people of God under the care of every human governing body all over the world. After all, the Pope is not just the head of the world’s smallest state, he is also the Universal father of the Church on earth.

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