Pope Leo delivered an expansive political address to Spain's parliament, stating that escalating conflict, deepening polarization, and widespread disregard for human rights have plunged the world into a profound crisis. His remarks came hours after renewed attacks between Israel and Iran tested a two-month ceasefire.
Speaking in Spanish, the Pope emphasized that "weapons can impose a temporary silence; but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace." He also urged politicians to end the wars ravaging the globe and to assist migrants, stating that a lack of help for those displaced challenges "the ethical foundation of the international order." He called for solutions that address the root causes of migration, such as war, poverty, and climate change.
The Pope also voiced concern over increased European military spending, calling it "troubling" and a betrayal of diplomacy. He urged "rigorous ethical vigilance" regarding the use of AI in warfare. This address follows his previous call for global governments to slow AI development and his urging of Spain's Catholic bishops to address clergy abuse and offer reparations to survivors.
During his week-long visit, Pope Leo has also met with migrants and the homeless. His government has opened a mass amnesty program allowing an estimated 500,000 immigrants to apply for legal status. The Pope also defended the privacy of the Catholic seal of confession, stating it preserves "a sacred space of inner freedom."
Speaking to reporters on the flight to Madrid on Saturday, the pope said the scandal of sexual violence was "still an open wound" for the Church. He told Spain's Catholic bishops they must listen to survivors of abuse by clergy and offer them reparations, in the first direct reference during his trip to scandals that have shaken the local Church's credibility. Survivors' groups have criticized the planned meeting with victims, with some stating they were not invited and characterizing it as an insufficient photo opportunity. Cardinal Jose Cobo cited the pontiff's packed itinerary as the reason for not meeting multiple groups of survivors. Spanish activist Miguel Hurtado was critical that the pope's schedule did not include a meeting with survivors of abuse at Montserrat Abbey.