In the first papal visit to Spain since 2011, the pontiff is expected to meet with victims of sexual violence in the Catholic Church
Pope Leo the 14th said on Saturday (June 6, 2026), in a speech in the presence of the King of Spain, Felipe 6th, at the Royal Palace of Madrid, that “abuse is an open wound”. The pontiff is expected to meet with victims of sexual violence in the Catholic Church, in the first papal visit to the European country since 2011.
“Your clarity and firmness, which I also want to recognize, are essential in the process of healing and repairing the damage caused. They are essential for the victims, for the faithful, for the Church and for society”declared Felipe 6th when welcoming the pope.
The pope also called on political leaders to seek unity rather than dividing their populations for political gain, and said they must fight for peace.
Leo 14, who with the President of the United States, (Republican Party), about his immigration policies and the war with Iran, also said that his visit aims to set an example of respect for “every human being”.
“Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization appears to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated.”said the pope. “I invite everyone to abandon the discourses that divide and polarize your social reality and history, in order to move from sterile simplifications to a fruitful appreciation of complexity”he added.
He also suggested that technology and social media are contributing to deepening divisions. In May, the pope focused on the dangers of artificial intelligence, suggesting that humanity found itself at a moral crossroads as the technology rapidly advanced.
Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Madrid to greet the pontiff, who traveled around the city in the popemobile. According to , in recent years there has been an increase in the number of people identifying as Catholic in Spain, with 28.8% of young people declaring themselves Catholic in 2025, compared to 17.6% in 2010.
This Sunday (June 7), Leo 14 celebrates a mass in Cibeles square, in Madrid. When asked about young people’s interest in Catholicism, the pope said he would face an uphill battle to compete with Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who performs in the Spanish capital.
“If asked if you want to see Bad Bunny or the Pope, I think many will watch Bad Bunny, but I also think there will be some who will come to see the Pope.”he stated.
On Monday (June 8), the Pope is expected to meet with the Spanish Prime Minister, (Psoe, left), before speaking to members of the Spanish Parliament. On Tuesday (June 9), in Barcelona, a new tower should be inaugurated in the Sagrada Familia basilica.
In the Canary Islands archipelago, on Wednesday (June 10), the Pope will meet with migrants who crossed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe.
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