Pope Leo XIV to visit Spain, focusing on immigration and social justice

Pope Leo XIV is set to begin a weeklong visit to Spain on Saturday, a trip that will place a significant emphasis on immigration and social justice.

His itinerary includes a welcome at the royal palace by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, followed by a prayer vigil expected to draw 400,000 people near Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The Pope will also engage with young people outside the stadium and lead a Mass in the city center on Sunday, anticipating a congregation of one million.

A historic moment of the visit will be Pope Leo's address to the Spanish Parliament on Monday, a first for any pontiff. This address comes at a time of political pressure for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who faces scrutiny over corruption scandals.

The visit also occurs against the backdrop of Spain's evolving religious landscape, with a notable decline in Catholic identification and regular Mass attendance since the 1970s. The Pope's schedule includes a stop in the Canary Islands for meetings with migrants and humanitarian organizations, underscoring his focus on immigration issues. He will also bless the new tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona and meet with victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.

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His central message will be for young people to help them 'envisage the future, even in an age of strongmen, where the church seeks to foster holy men.'