In brief
Pope Leo XIV began his seven‑day visit to Spain by praising Madrid’s anti‑war position and its openness to migrants, citing the country’s commitment to peace and solidarity. He spoke at a reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and promised to meet victims of sexual abuse within the Church and attend a record parliamentary address. The Holy Father also highlighted the Spanish Government’s legalisation plans for undocumented migrants and touched on migration’s human cost in the Canary Islands.
On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV opened his official visit to Spain by praising Madrid’s stance on war and its willingness to host migrants. He spoke at a reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace in Madrid, praising the country’s “active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump over matters such as Iran and the war in Gaza, was highlighted for his faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism. The Pope called the Spanish Government’s position “essential in the process of healing and reparation of the damage inflicted.”
During his visit, Leo will meet victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and groups that look after migrants. He will also deliver an unprecedented address before the Spanish parliament, while the Pope’s remarks on sexual abuse remained “an open wound” for the Church.
The Spanish Government and the Catholic Church signed an agreement in March to compensate abuse victims. A 2023 study by the Spanish ombudsman's office estimated that 1.1% of the population – about 440,000 people – had suffered sexual abuse by clergy or Church-linked individuals.
In the Canary Islands, Leo will join Sánchez to honor the thousands of migrants who have died attempting to reach Europe. Spain’s left‑wing administration plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants, allowing them to be formally integrated into the workforce.
On a lighter note, when asked by a reporter on the flight whether he preferred Barcelona or Real Madrid, the Pope answered in diplomatic fashion that he supports all teams, adding that “Prevost is for Real Madrid.”
For more information on the Pope’s visit, read the BBC articles: Pope Leo’s anti‑war stance and the agreement to compensate abuse victims.
