Pope urges Spaniards to reject division, embrace complexity

Pope Leo XIV called for an end to divisive rhetoric and "fruitless simplifications" in a speech delivered at the Royal Palace in Madrid. "I invite everyone, for the sake of truth, to abandon the discourse that divides and incites division in your social reality and history, and to move from fruitless simplifications to a fruitful appreciation of complexity," the Pope stated during his official reception.

He emphasized this message as particularly relevant for Europe, with Spain as a key player. The Pope also commended Spain's "steadfast commitment to peace," expressing gratitude for the nation's dedication to international law and multilateralism, evident in its pursuit of peace and solidarity among peoples.

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I invite everyone, for the sake of truth, to abandon the discourse that divides and incites division in your social reality and history, and to move from fruitless simplifications to a fruitful appreciation of complexity.

Spanish King Felipe VI lauded the Pope's "clarity" and "firmness" in addressing sexual abuse within the church, deeming it "essential" for victims. "Your clarity and firmness, which I also wish to praise, are essential in the process of healing wounds and compensating for damages: they are essential for the victims, for believers, for the Church and for society as a whole," the King said, acknowledging the "pain caused by abuse cases that do not represent, and cannot represent, the entire ecclesial community."

The pontiff's visit, which began Saturday, focuses on migration and social justice amid a politically turbulent period for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The trip includes a mass expected to draw 400,000 people, a speech to the Spanish parliament, and a visit to the Canary Islands, a major gateway for migrants from Africa. The Pope also expressed concern over the situation in Ukraine, calling for a "solution."

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Your clarity and firmness, which I also wish to praise, are essential in the process of healing wounds and compensating for damages: they are essential for the victims, for believers, for the Church and for society as a whole.