Pope Leo XIV begins Spain visit, calls for unity

Pope Leo XIV commenced his seven-day state visit to Spain on Saturday, arriving in Madrid with a focus on social issues and migration.

Upon arrival, the pontiff was greeted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia before proceeding to the Royal Palace for official meetings and a speech to Spanish authorities. During his flight to Madrid, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that pedophilia within the Church remains an "open wound" and a priority for his papacy.

“

From love for truth, I invite you all to set aside narratives that create divisions and polarize your social reality and your history.

He urged Spaniards to set aside "narratives that create divisions and polarize social reality and your history." The Pope stressed that embracing complexity would help Europe move beyond "sterile simplifications." Spain is currently experiencing divisions over immigration, feminism, and political corruption, alongside historical territorial movements.

The visit's itinerary includes a meeting with young people near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, a visit to the Caritas center "Cedia 24" for the homeless, and a pivotal address to the Spanish Parliament on Monday – a rare occasion for a pontiff. The Pope will also travel to Barcelona and the Canary Islands before concluding his pastoral tour.

“

Pedophilia in the Church is still an open wound.