Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV delivered a historic address to Spain's parliament, the first of its kind.
- He called for respect for migrants' rights, international law, and the dignity of all people.
- The Pope expressed concern over rising defense budgets and the use of automated weapons.
- Spanish lawmakers gave the pontiff a seven-minute standing ovation.
- The visit highlights Spain's defense of immigration policies amid European trends.
Pope Leo XIV delivered a historic address to Spain's parliament, calling for respect for migrants' rights, international law, and peace. The speech, the first by a pontiff to Spanish lawmakers, was met with a seven-minute standing ovation.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for "moral renewal" in public life to uphold the dignity of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable, migrants, and the unborn. He urged for strengthened international cooperation to prevent migrant smuggling and to foster conditions that allow people to remain in their home countries, addressing issues of poverty, conflict, and climate change.
The Pope also voiced concerns about escalating defense budgets in Europe, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Trump administration's stance on international support. He reiterated calls for diplomatic solutions to disputes and stressed the importance of rigorous ethical oversight for AI-driven automated weapons systems, ensuring human moral responsibility in life-or-death decisions.
The visit signifies a notable level of acceptance for the Catholic Church in Spain's political sphere, a contrast to its historical role during the Franco dictatorship and the subsequent secularization. Despite declining religious observance, many Spaniards still identify as Catholic, and the Pope's visit has drawn large crowds.
Pope Leo XIV referenced the 16th-century School of Salamanca, acknowledging its contributions to international law and human rights, while also recognizing historical instances where the Church did not fully uphold these principles, including its role in the slave trade and colonial conquests. His visit occurs at a politically sensitive time for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government, which has been defending its pro-immigration stance.