Key facts
- Pope Leo begins a week-long visit to Spain on June 6.
- The visit includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands.
Pope Leo begins a week-long visit to Spain on June 6, focusing on migrants and political polarization. The itinerary includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands, with over 20 speeches planned, including to the Spanish parliament.
Pope Leo is embarking on a week-long visit to Spain from June 6-12, his first to an EU country outside of Italy. The itinerary includes inaugurating a new tower at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica, meeting migrants who have reached Europe via dangerous sea routes, and visiting Madrid, Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands. The pontiff, who has been critical of anti-immigration policies, will meet migrants and organizations assisting them on the Canary Island of Tenerife. He is also scheduled to deliver over 20 speeches, becoming the first pope to address the Spanish parliament, where he is likely to condemn ongoing wars and urge dialogue to overcome political and social polarization. In Madrid, Pope Leo will meet with King Felipe and Queen Letizia, address diplomats and civil leaders, meet young people, and visit a Catholic charity for the homeless. Spain's government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has implemented a mass amnesty program for immigrants, contrasting with the policies of the United States under President Donald Trump. The journey highlights the Pope's engagement with social issues, international conflicts, and the challenges of migration.
The Pope's visit to Spain addresses critical issues of migration, political polarization, and international conflict, highlighting the Vatican's engagement with pressing global and European challenges.