The pope is in secularized, polarized Spain, where the Catholic Church has a complex legacy
Summary
Pope Leo XIV began a seven-day visit to Spain, where he was welcomed by the country’s king, queen, and prime minister. His visit highlights Spain’s complex Catholic history and the ongoing impact of clergy sexual abuse scandals, as he plans to meet survivors and promote messages of unity and peace.Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on June 6, 2026, for a weeklong visit to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.
- Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez greeted the pope at the airport.
- Pope Leo XIV plans to hold a prayer vigil with young people during his first day in Spain.
- The pope will meet survivors of clergy sexual abuse, a continuing issue for the Catholic Church in Spain.
- This visit is the first papal trip to Spain in 15 years, marking renewed papal focus on Europe.
- The visit occurs amid political challenges in Spain and global conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
- Pope Leo XIV aims to deliver messages of peace, unity, and hope, including addressing concerns about artificial intelligence.
- Other planned visits by Pope Leo XIV in 2026 include Monaco, San Marino, and France.
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