Arabic version: البابا ليون الرابع عشر يشيد بجهود السلام في إسبانيا خلال زيارته

Pope Leo XIV has started his official visit to Spain by praising its government’s opposition to wars as well as its support for migrants. Speaking at a reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the royal palace in Madrid, Pope Leo spoke of Spain’s “active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples.” According to BBC News, he praised the government’s adherence to international law and multilateralism, particularly in light of its recent clashes with the United States and Israel over various conflicts.

During his seven-day visit, Pope Leo will meet victims who experienced sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, as well as groups that look after the welfare of migrants. He remarked that sexual abuse is an “open wound” for the Church, highlighting the urgency of addressing this matter. The Pope’s focus on immigration, a polarizing topic in Spain, may be interpreted as support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s socialist government, which has implemented policies to regularize the status of undocumented migrants.

King Felipe praised the Pope for his “clarity and firmness” regarding the sexual abuse crisis, noting its importance in the healing process for the Church. In March, the Spanish government and the Catholic Church reached an agreement to compensate victims, responding to long-standing criticisms of inadequate action from religious leaders. A 2023 study by the Spanish ombudsman’s office estimated that 1.1% of the population had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of members of the clergy or individuals linked to the Church, a figure the Church disputes.

Later in his trip, the Pope will visit the Canary Islands, where he will honor the memory of thousands of migrants who have perished attempting to reach Europe. Spain’s immigration policies, which contrast sharply with those of much of Europe, include plans to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, facilitating their integration into the workforce. During the flight to Spain, when asked about his preference between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Pope Leo diplomatically stated that he supports all teams but humorously noted that his birth name, Robert Francis Prevost, is associated with Real Madrid.