Pope Leo begins a week-long visit to Spain, focusing on migrants and global political polarization. The trip includes stops in Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants. He is also expected to address the Spanish parliament and condemn global wars.
Pope Leo commenced a week-long visit to Spain on Saturday, June 6, marking his first trip to an EU country outside Italy. The itinerary includes inaugurating a new tower at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica, meeting migrants in the Canary Islands, and visiting Madrid and Montserrat Monastery. Pope Leo, who has previously criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies, is expected to draw large crowds. He will meet with migrants, many from Francophone Africa, in Tenerife, speaking French to them. The Vatican's press office stated that the situation of migrants is close to the Pope's heart. Pope Leo is also scheduled to give over 20 speeches and will be the first pope to address the Spanish parliament. He is anticipated to condemn global wars and advocate for dialogue to address political and social polarization. The Pope, who spent decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, will speak Spanish for most of the trip. Spain's government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has implemented a mass amnesty program for approximately 500,000 immigrants. According to the NGO Caminando Fronteras, over 3,000 people died in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands. The Pope departed Rome's Fiumicino airport at 8 am (0600 GMT) for Madrid, where he will meet King Felipe and Queen Letizia, address diplomats and civil leaders, meet young people at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and visit a Catholic charity for the homeless. Pope Leo XIV will begin a weeklong trip to Spain, turning papal attention back to Europe and its Christian roots. The pope will also meet with some victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
The Pope's visit to Spain highlights the ongoing challenges of migration in Europe and the deep political divisions within the continent, potentially influencing public discourse and policy debates on these critical issues.