Arabic version: البابا ليو الرابع عشر يخاطب إسبانيا حول الهجرة والأزمة العالمية

Pope Leo XIV has used an address to the Spanish parliament to warn the world is undergoing “a deep spiritual and cultural crisis” and to urge the international community to tackle the causes and consequences of what he termed “the tragic drama of migration”. According to The Guardian, the pontiff emphasized that this crisis is marked by violence, polarization, and mutual mistrust, stressing that peace is a moral necessity rather than merely a political goal.

In his speech, Leo XIV called for diplomatic courage and ethical responsibility to foster peace, rejecting the notion of rearmament as a solution to international fragility. He argued that true security arises from justice, dialogue, and adherence to international law, rather than from military might.

The pope’s address also focused heavily on migration, a key issue during his week-long visit to Spain. He pointed out that the tragic circumstances forcing many to migrate challenge the ethical foundations of nations. He asserted that countries have a moral obligation to protect and accept migrants, advocating for safe and legal pathways for their integration.

Leo XIV’s remarks came at a time when Spain’s socialist-led government is regularizing the status of over 500,000 undocumented migrants, contrasting with rising anti-immigrant sentiments from far-right factions like Vox. He reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, including economic inequalities and the climate crisis, to prevent individuals from being compelled to leave their homes.

The pope concluded by reaffirming the church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life, calling for protection from conception to natural death. His address was met with a seven-minute ovation, underscoring the impact of his message on the Spanish lawmakers present.