Pope Leo XIV begins weeklong visit to Spain with focus on unity, migration, and abuse survivors
7 reported
Pope Leo XIV’s weeklong visit to Spain, the first papal trip to the country in 15 years, began June 6 and will run through June 12, according to a report from the Associated Press. The trip includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, each with distinct themes. The Vatican confirmed late Friday that the pope 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. In Madrid, the pope is scheduled to address both chambers of the Spanish parliament on June 8, a first for any pope, and will also meet with the Spanish royals and preside over a prayer vigil for young people. In Barcelona, he will celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Familia and inaugurate its central spire, the Tower of Jesus Christ, making the basilica the world’s tallest church. The pope will also visit the Our Lady of Montserrat abbey and spend two days in the Canary Islands meeting with migrants and humanitarian organizations.
What’s reported
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain runs from June 6 to June 12, 2026.
The Vatican confirmed late Friday that the pope will meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse during the trip.
The pope will address both chambers of the Spanish parliament on June 8, a first for any pope.
In Barcelona, he will celebrate Mass at the Sagrada Familia and inaugurate its central spire, the Tower of Jesus Christ, making it the world’s tallest church.
The pope will visit the Our Lady of Montserrat abbey and spend two days in the Canary Islands meeting with migrants.
Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands peaked at nearly 47,000 in 2024 but fell to just over 2,000 in the first four months of 2026.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is holding two shows of a 10-concert series in Madrid while the pope is in town.
Key figures
Pope Leo XIV
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Antoni Gaudí (deceased Catalan architect)
Pope Francis (mentioned as predecessor)
St. John Paul II (mentioned as previous pope)
Pope Benedict XVI (mentioned as previous pope)
Sources: abcnews.com
