Pope Leo XIV arrives in Spain amid political crisis and secularization
7 reported
Pope Leo XIV begins a weeklong visit to Spain on Saturday, marking the first papal trip to the country in 15 years. The American pontiff will be welcomed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in Madrid, where his first day concludes with a prayer vigil for young people. The Vatican confirmed late Friday that Leo will meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse during the visit, as the Spanish Catholic hierarchy continues to reckon with decades of abuse and cover-up. Leo’s trip comes as Spain’s Socialist-led government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces a political crisis, with conservative parties calling for Sánchez to step down before elections in 2027. The highlight of the visit will be Leo’s speech Monday to both chambers of the Spanish Parliament, a first for any pope. After Madrid, Leo will travel to Barcelona to celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Familia basilica on the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death, and will conclude with a two-day stop in the Canary Islands to meet migrants and humanitarian organizations.
What’s reported
Pope Leo XIV’s weeklong visit to Spain begins Saturday in Madrid.
The Vatican confirmed late Friday that Leo will meet with clergy sexual abuse survivors during the trip.
No pope has ever addressed the Spanish Parliament, Las Cortes Generales, before Leo’s planned speech Monday.
The ruling Socialist party of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing corruption scandals, and conservative parties have called for Sánchez to step down before elections in 2027.
The trip is costing some 15 million euros ($17.2 million).
In Barcelona, Leo will celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Familia basilica on the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and inaugurate the central spire, making it the tallest church in the world.
Leo will end his visit with a two-day stop in the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants and toss a wreath of flowers into the sea in memory of migrants killed during the Atlantic crossing.
Key figures
Pope Leo XIV
King Felipe VI
Queen Letizia
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni
Sociologist Narciso Michavila Núñez
Constantina Nchama, an immigrant from Equatorial Guinea
Antoni Gaudí (deceased architect)
Sources: abcnews.com
