Pope Leo XIV opens Spain visit with calls to reject polarisation and praises government's peace stance
The first American pope landed in Madrid on Saturday for a seven-day visit, his first to a major EU country outside Italy, immediately weighing in on political divisions, migration and the wars dividing the international community.
A political welcome in Madrid
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on Saturday to a reception from King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, before addressing a crowd at the Royal Palace. The Chicago-born pontiff used his opening speech to warn against the temptation of gaining popularity by "fanning the flames of polarisation", calling instead for investment in educating young people to appreciate diversity and complexity.
Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarisation seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated.
The pope praised Spain's "active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples" and its "faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism", a message that aligns closely with the left-wing government's foreign policy.
Alignment with Sánchez on peace and migration
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has clashed repeatedly with US President Donald Trump over the Iran war, denying US forces use of Spanish bases and calling Israel's actions in Gaza a "genocide". Pope Leo has himself drawn Trump's ire, with the president labelling him "weak" and "terrible in foreign policy" after the pontiff's Easter message that Christians could not stand with those who "drop bombs today".
The pope's voice is a moral compass in the fight against injustice. He pits common sense and empathy against unreason and the law of the jungle.
The visit offers Sánchez a welcome distraction from domestic pressure over alleged corruption cases in his inner circle, according to Swiss broadcaster SRF. The pope's itinerary, including an unprecedented address to parliament and a trip to the Canary Islands to meet migrants, reinforces the prime minister's political priorities.
Immigration and the Canary Islands finale
The trip will conclude in the Canary Islands, a major entry point for African migrants. Nearly 47,000 people reached the islands in 2024, and the NGO Caminando Fronteras estimates more than 9,000 migrants have died attempting the crossing. Pope Leo will be joined by Sánchez to honour those who perished.
Spain's open immigration policy stands in contrast to much of Europe. The pope's focus on the issue puts pressure on the opposition Partido Popular, which under influence from far-right Vox has shifted to a harder line on migration, according to POLITICO.
Confronting the abuse crisis
On the flight to Madrid, Pope Leo called sexual abuse in the Church "an open wound". He is scheduled to meet victims during the visit. A 2023 study by Spain's ombudsman estimated that 1.1% of the population, around 440,000 people, had suffered abuse by clergy or individuals linked to the Church. The Church has contested those figures.
King Felipe hailed the pope's "clarity and firmness" on the issue, calling it "essential in the process of healing and reparation of the damage inflicted".
Football, Bad Bunny and the Sagrada Família
Speaking to reporters on the plane, the pope joked that many people might prefer to attend Bad Bunny's concerts in Madrid this weekend rather than his own events. "If they are confronted with the question 'Do you want to go see Bad Bunny or do you want to go to see the pope?' I think many will see Bad Bunny," he said.
He also declared his football allegiance: "The pope is for all teams, but Prevost is for Real Madrid." The visit includes the inauguration of a new tower at Barcelona's Sagrada Família basilica, a meeting with prisoners, and more than 20 speeches over the week.
- Arrival in Madrid, reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, address at the Royal Palace
- Mass at Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, over one million faithful expected
- Meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse
- Travel to Barcelona, meeting with prisoners, inauguration of Sagrada Família's new Jesus Tower
- Unprecedented address before the Spanish parliament
- Visit to the Canary Islands to meet migrants and honour those who died crossing, joined by PM Sánchez
A shifting relationship with Spanish politics
The far-right Vox party, which claims to defend traditional Catholic values, has had a strained relationship with the Church, frequently attacking Spanish bishops' support for the government's migrant amnesty. In a meeting with Spanish bishops last November, Pope Leo expressed concerns about the Church being hijacked by political ideologies.
Just over half of Spaniards describe themselves as Catholic, but only 12% of believers attend Sunday mass, according to the Center for Sociological Research. Recent studies suggest a slight rise in faith and churchgoing among young people, particularly men.
