MADRID (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV called on young people to “be human” in a world plagued by violence, war and artificial relationships, as he addressed more than 400,000 youths gathered at Plaza de Lima in Madrid on Saturday (June 6). “In the face of the emptiness of indifference and conformity, and before the violence of war and lies, you must be the sparks of a new humanity,” he told them. This is the exact mission I give you: to be human. Indeed, embrace your humanity: men and women of flesh and blood! Leo urged young people to ignore superficial appearances, pursue justice, and lead lives of integrity. “Be human just as Christ is human – the perfect man, the risen One who shares our history in every age,” he said. The pope is visiting Spain for a six-day trip that started on Saturday and will take him to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. He made the comments during a prayer vigil on a warm summer evening in central Madrid, where interest in spirituality has been growing rapidly. A GAD3 survey of 10,000 young Spaniards revealed that half of Generation Z participants feel spirituality plays a greater role in their lives now than it did five years ago. The study also found that young people’s religiosity is generally less institutional and more personal in nature. The same study revealed that cellphones have become the new pulpits for many young people, who are rediscovering faith through their screens. In 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid reported a surge in adult baptisms, reaching a record high of 900.