The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Madrid, the longest stop on his apostolic journey, has generated considerable commotion in the city. Alongside official preparations, an unofficial network for economic gain has emerged. Platforms like Wallapop and Milanuncios are now filled with advertisements related to the Pontiff and his trip.
Offers range from rooms and apartments for temporary lodging to more unique items such as Leo XIV figures in a Lego style made with 3D printers, mugs, keychains, and scarves bearing his image, or themed transport cards resold as collector's items. Parking spaces and advance sandwich reservations near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium are also being offered.
Accommodation is one of the sectors with the most inflated prices, with rates ranging between 100 and 250 euros per night. Room advertisements have been found for up to 980 euros, with descriptions highlighting proximity to key locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, even though actual travel times by public transport can be considerably longer, as evidenced by an ad for a flat in the El Cañaveral neighborhood (Vicálvaro district) stating a 20-minute walk when the real journey exceeds an hour.
A surge in rental offers for strategically located balconies and terraces is also anticipated, now that the papamobile's routes have been disclosed. The Archdiocese of Madrid released this information late, unlike other host cities such as Canary Islands and Barcelona, where almost every available space is already being offered. An advertisement for a living room with views of Lima, the site of the vigil with young people, is already available for a negotiable price.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs indicates that these rentals fall outside the regulated categories for tourist use housing (VUT) and are governed by the Civil Code. The Community of Madrid, responsible for the matter, clarifies that leases for uses other than housing are subject to the Urban Leases Law (LAU), based on the parties' agreement.
Wallapop maintains that its real estate listings are residual and that they work to remove non-compliant ads. The company encourages users to report suspicious content. Facua advises caution, thorough review of terms before payment, and opting for accommodations with necessary permits. Its vice president, Miguel Ángel Serrano, recommends contacting the platform and filing a complaint in case of deception, emphasizing that responsibility can be claimed for non-compliance with advertised conditions.
