A day for the youth of Madrid

The first day of Pope Leo’s visit to Madrid is one full of young people: from his visit to the social project—part of Caritas Madrid—Cedia 24 Horas where young people work as volunteers to the prayer vigil was organized by, led by, and dedicated to the youth of the city.

The social project, Cedia 24 Horas, is one of Cáritas Madrid's longest-running projects. Founded in 1977, it served as a coffee delivery van for homeless people. Over the last 49 years, the organization has developed and adapted to the growing needs of the people around them. It has become “a first-response project” for “pure and simple exclusion.”

As the number of people in need of support grows—about 2,500 people received aid last year—it reveals a landscape marked by increasing difficulties in accessing stable housing.