Madrid Youth Vigil

Aisha Ruah and Guillem Climent to host Madrid vigil

The spiritual energy of the evening rests largely on the shoulders of the two masters of ceremonies chosen to lead the gathering. Aisha Ruah and Guillem Climent will host the Madrid vigil, bringing two distinct but complementary backgrounds to the Plaza de Lima stage. Aisha Ruah, the stage name for Isabel, has emerged as a prominent figure in Spain’s Christian urban music scene. A rapper, composer, and content creator from Madrid, she has built a career bridging the gap between modern music and faith-based outreach for younger generations. Her moniker carries its own theological weight; “Ruah” is a Hebrew term meaning breath or spirit. “Today I am a witness that Jesus is alive and risen, present in the Eucharist, and that the word of God is a law that liberates the human being.”Aisha Ruah, via Religión en libertad Her co-host, 32-year-old Guillem Climent, brings a background rooted in communication. While his academic beginnings were in physics, a passion for theater redirected him toward media, and he is currently associated with MegaStar FM of the COPE group. “One must be light in the world; the Lord has given me talents and I feel that I now have this opportunity to give them to others.”Guillem Climent, via COPE

From Gregorian chant to ‘catolipop’ hits

The papal visit is being framed as much as a cultural phenomenon as a religious one, utilizing a wide-ranging musical soundtrack for the trip that spans over a millennium of sound. The itinerary includes everything from medieval Gregorian chant to contemporary compositions written specifically for the Pope in 2026. On Saturday, the musical journey includes a performance by Niña Pastori at the CEDIA 24 Horas center in the Lucero neighborhood. As the visit progresses through Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, the repertoire will shift between flamenco—a genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage—and a burgeoning movement known as “catolipop.” This term describes a powerful boom in contemporary Christian pop music, featuring artists like Hakuna and the diverse, open-profile group Siloé. Even the transit of the Pontiff will be curated. During flights between Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, music from the Escolanía del Escorial—an institution founded in 1974 by the Augustinian religious of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial—will be played. These selections, drawn from albums like *Cantares* and *Místico*, reflect the Pope’s history as a former member of the Order of Saint Augustine.

Siloé and the intersection of indie music and faith

While much of the music is explicitly liturgical, some of the most anticipated acts come from the “indie” scene, where spirituality is often handled with more nuance. For the band Siloé, the invitation to perform is a career-defining milestone. The band Siloé described the event as one of the most iconic moments in their history, noting that while they aren’t strictly a “Christian band,” spirituality is woven into their lyrical fabric. Lead singer Fito Robles explained that their music aims to pose questions rather than provide easy answers, often finding sacred expression through art and nature. “That he calls us to perform during his visit. It is one of the most iconic events and certainly the most important that will happen in the history of our group, not just until now, but forever.”Fito Robles, via ABC The band, which gained traction following their 2023 release *Santa Trinidad*, recently released *Terrorismo emocional*. The title, a concept borrowed from singer Santi Balmes, refers to the band’s ability to provoke deep emotional responses through their songwriting.

Beret’s return to the papal stage

For the Sevillian singer Beret, the Madrid visit is a homecoming to a stage he has graced before. In 2023, he performed at the Vatican for Pope Francis, and singer Beret expressed his excitement about the chance to sing for Pope Leo XIV. Beret has chosen to perform “Superhéroe,” a track he describes as deeply personal and hopeful. He intends to bring the song to the Madrid vigil before traveling to Barcelona to perform his hit “Lo siento.” “Man, imagine it. Since I sang to the Pope, I’ve always been a friend of mine and we all freak out. And now that they’ve wanted to count on me again, it’s been like: ‘Damn, how amazing!’. To be able to sing and, above all, to sing ‘Superhéroe’, which is the song that has most reflected the fact of singing to a Pope… You can’t sing it to a Pope and then sing it to two Popes.”Beret, via HOLA Beyond the performance, Beret noted a deep philosophical connection between his craft and the divine. “Music and the spiritual are completely connected. Every time an artist composes, it is based completely on something spiritual. You can choose a chord or a lyric, but there is always an uncontrollable part that I believe is also handled by God and magic.”Beret, via HOLA

Performers scheduled for the Plaza de Lima vigil

The “Festival of Faith” at the Plaza de Lima will feature a massive roster of artists designed to appeal to a wide generational spectrum. The lineup includes:

• Siloé
• Beret
• Hakuna
• Besmaya
• DePol
• Malmö 040
• Antoñito Molina
• Antonio José
• Hey Kid
• Inazio
• Lola Tuduri
• Mr. Rain
• Ignacio Serrano
• Pablo Pablo
• Tuyo
• Servus Mariae
• Presencia Project

The cultural momentum continues into Sunday, June 7, with the Corpus Christi celebration at Plaza de Cibeles. The event is expected to feature a massive outdoor liturgy accompanied by nearly 400 musicians, including the JMJ Symphony Orchestra and Choir.