Spain: Pope Leo XIV commends the country’s peace stance
Pope Leo XIV has praised Spain for its positions on Gaza, Ukraine and international diplomacy, as he began a weeklong state visit to the country on 6 June. It marked the first papal trip to Spain in fifteen years, according to africanews.
Speaking during a reception at Madrid’s Royal Palace, the pontiff commended Spain’s commitment to international law, multilateral cooperation and efforts to promote peace, highlighting the country’s role in addressing several major global challenges. The Pope also acknowledged Spain’s approach to migration, praising its willingness to welcome migrants at a time when immigration continues to generate intense political debate across Europe often linked to the rise of far-right populism.
The visit comes amid a period of heightened political tension in Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government has faced criticism from opposition parties over immigration policies and corruption allegations involving members of the ruling Socialist Party.
Beyond political matters, the visit is expected to address one of the most sensitive issues facing the Catholic Church in Spain, the Vatican confirming that Pope Leo XIV will meet survivors of clergy sexual abuse as the Spanish Church continues efforts to confront decades of abuse allegations and structural institutional failings.
The pontiff has already held meetings with Spain’s royal family and is scheduled to deliver a historic address to both chambers of parliament on 8 June, becoming the first pope to do so.
Planned later in the visit, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Barcelona to celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Família, the iconic basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. During the ceremony, he is expected to inaugurate the church’s central spire, a milestone that will make the landmark the tallest church in the world as it approaches completion. Observers view the visit as an opportunity for the Vatican to reinforce its engagement with Spain on issues ranging from international diplomacy and migration to social reconciliation and the Church’s response to historical abuse cases, which has often been criticised.
The weeklong trip is expected to attract significant public attention across Spain, reflecting the country’s enduring religious and cultural ties to the Catholic Church despite increasing secularisation in recent decades.
africanews, maghrebi.org
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