Pope criticizes Trump immigration policies

Pope Leo XIV commenced a week-long visit to Spain on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Upon arrival in Madrid, he was greeted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. During the visit, the Pope is set to meet with political, ecclesial, and civic leaders in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. He plans to meet with those working on the front lines of migrant reception in the Canary Islands. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government recently approved plans to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants. The Pope will deliver over 20 speeches. Key moments include addressing the Spanish parliament, visiting a homeless shelter, and meeting organizations supporting migrants and refugees. According to the NGO Caminando Fronteras, over 3,000 people died in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands. The Pope's visit comes at a time when immigration is a polarizing topic. On Saturday, Pope Leo urged global leaders to avoid dividing their electorates with “sterile simplifications” to gain popularity and called on them to listen to the world's cries for peace. He drew on Spain's history as an example of peaceful co-habitation between religions and cultures. In the afternoon, Leo visited a homeless shelter where he heard the stories of migrants. In contrast to many leading Western powers, including Trump's United States, Spain's government has opened a mass amnesty program, allowing an estimated 500,000 immigrants to apply for legal status. On the first day of his official seven-day tour of Spain, the Pope praises the country's "active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples".