Pope Leo opened a weeklong visit to Spain on Saturday with a forceful appeal for political leaders to reject polarization, warning against efforts to gain popularity through division and urging greater attention to calls for peace around the world.
Speaking before King Felipe VI at Madrid’s Royal Palace, the pope said human dignity continued to be violated and cautioned against what he described as “sterile simplifications” of social realities and history.
He also pointed to technology as a factor that can amplify prejudices and weaken critical thinking, while stressing that the world was crying out for peace.
The visit, running from June 6 to June 12, is the first by a pope to Spain since 2011 and the first by Leo to a European Union country outside Italy.
Drawing on Spain’s history, Leo highlighted periods of cooperation among Christians, Muslims and Jews, citing the medieval School of Translators in Toledo as an example of cultural exchange and shared knowledge.
He argued that a culture of encounter rather than confrontation promotes stability and prosperity, while encouraging societies to move beyond divisive narratives.
The pope is expected to reinforce themes of unity, peace, support for migrants and hope for young people throughout the trip.
His visit comes as Spain faces political tensions, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist government under pressure from corruption allegations and criticism from opposition groups over migration policies.
Leo is scheduled to deliver more than 20 speeches during the tour, including a historic address to the Spanish parliament, the first ever by a pope.
Thousands gathered in central Madrid to welcome the pontiff as he toured in an open-air popemobile, while large crowds are expected throughout the week.
The trip will take Leo from Madrid to Barcelona, where he will inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia basilica and mark the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudi’s death.
He will also visit the Canary Islands to meet migrants and humanitarian organizations assisting those arriving from Africa.
The Vatican confirmed that Leo will meet survivors of clergy sexual abuse during the visit, as Spain continues to confront the legacy of abuse scandals within the Catholic Church.
Meanwhile, the pope’s presence in Madrid coincides with a series of concerts by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, prompting Leo to joke that many young people might choose the musician over the pope.