Pope Leo XIV Visits Spain to Address Migration and Peace

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a week-long pastoral visit that places migration, peace, and the protection of vulnerable populations at the forefront of his agenda.

Upon arrival, the pontiff was greeted by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The itinerary spans Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, a region that has become a primary gateway for migrants traveling from West Africa to Europe.

A significant portion of the visit is dedicated to the Canary Islands, where Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to engage with migrants, humanitarian aid workers, and families of those who have perished during perilous sea crossings from Africa. This engagement fulfills a plan previously intended by Pope Francis, who was unable to undertake the journey before his passing.

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I will receive some victims. Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive all of them.

During his flight from Rome, Pope Leo XIV addressed the issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, expressing his commitment to combating such cases. He acknowledged meeting with some victims, describing the abuse as an "open wound" and affirming his intention to connect with survivors during his time in Spain.

This visit marks the first papal trip to Spain in 15 years, with Pope Benedict XVI having last visited in 2011 for World Youth Day. Pope Leo XIV's agenda also includes a speech to the Spanish parliament, a visit to a prison in Catalonia, and attendance at the inauguration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona.

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open wound