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Rain-Soaked Medinaceli Rite Draws Thousands in Madrid as Queen Sofía Venerates Icon

Civic leaders used the visit to issue petitions for peace, jobs, plus protections for women and girls.

Overview

  • Long lines formed from before dawn as the Basílica de Jesús de Medinaceli remained open all day, with steady rain failing to deter the flow of devotees.
  • Queen Sofía was greeted by applause, moved up the central nave as the organ played the national anthem, crossed herself, and kissed the statue’s right foot before a brief meeting with Capuchin friars.
  • Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida said he requested peace, support for vulnerable people, and employment, observing the custom of making three wishes.
  • Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso asked for an end to injustices including abuse, exploitation, and forced marriages of women and girls.
  • The revered image is a 1.73‑meter 17th‑century Cristo nazareno carved in Seville, long regarded as miraculous, with a popular tradition of offering three identical coins when asking three wishes.