Pope Leo XIV. on Saturday, during a state visit, he praised Spain, whose government has opposed wars in the Gaza Strip, Iran and Ukraine, for its “commitment to peace and solidarity among nations.” TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
The Pope thanked Spain for observing international law and multilateralism. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been involved in disputes with US President Donald Trump in recent months. The country did not allow American military aircraft deployed in the war against Iran to fly over its territory or use military bases.
The US-born pope himself has been sharply criticized by Trump for his rejection of war. In his speech at the Royal Palace in Madrid, where he was received by King Philip VI. and Queen Letizia, Leo XIV. he singled out Spain for its “active commitment to peace and solidarity between nations.”
He said that the message of peace “regrettably seems naive to some and confrontational to others” at the moment. But he added that it should resonate with those who are not swayed by ideological prejudices. The Vatican informed that during the visit the Pope will also meet with victims of sexual abuse by the Catholic clergy.
King Philip VI of Spain on Saturday he praised the Pope’s decisiveness in dealing with cases of sexual abuse. “Your clear and decisive attitude is key in the process of healing and repairing the damage caused – for victims, believers, the church and society as a whole,” the king told the pope during a reception at Madrid’s royal palace.
All eyes on the queen
The meeting of the Pope with the royal family is a significant event and has attracted the attention of people from all over the world. Queen Letizia, who is known for her elegance and sophistication, once again demonstrated an impeccable sense of style. However, it caught the eye of many that in the presence of the head of the church she was not wearing the black dress that we usually see on the vast majority of women.
Queen Letizia used the ancient “privilege of white” (lat. privilegium albi), which allows her to wear white in the presence of the Pope, as the website reminds. This Vatican tradition is reserved for Catholic royalty and symbolizes purity, innocence and peace.
Only a select handful of women belong to this exclusive club. In addition to her, they are also entitled to this privilege former Queen Sofia of Spain, Queens Mathilde and Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
