Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain on Saturday for a weeklong visit, marking his first trip to an EU country outside Italy and the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. Speaking aboard his flight from Rome to Madrid, the American pontiff stated that he is making the visit to set a good example to the world about respect for human life.
During the seven-day trip, the pope will travel to Barcelona to inaugurate a new tower in the Sagrada Familia basilica. He will also visit the Canary Islands to honor thousands of migrants who died trying to reach Europe and meet with those who braved dangerous Atlantic waters. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
The visit comes at a politically sensitive time, as the Socialist-led government is in crisis and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is under attack over corruption scandals involving his inner circle. While the pope plans to address political polarization and showcase the Catholic Church as an advocate for migrants and asylum seekers, he may come under fire from Vox, Spain’s far-right party.
By turning papal attention back to Europe and its Christian roots, Leo XIV visits a traditional center of European Christianity where the Catholic Church has a complex legacy.