Pope Leo XIV has begun his seven-day official visit to Spain by praising the country’s stance against wars and its support for migrants, according to the BBC.

Pope’s Speech at the Royal Palace

Speaking at a reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the royal palace in Madrid, Pope Leo highlighted Spain’s “active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples,” according to the BBC.

During the event, the Pope also acknowledged Spain’s “faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism,” which aligns with its recent diplomatic clashes with US President Donald Trump over Iran, and with Israel over the war in Gaza.

Focus on Abuse and Immigration

Throughout his visit, Pope Leo will meet with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and groups that support migrants.

Immigration is a divisive issue in Spain, and the Pope’s focus on the issue during his tour could be seen as support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, according to the BBC.

He will also deliver an rare address before the Spanish parliament, where he will emphasize the importance of peace in a world where the message is often seen as either naive or confrontational.

Speaking to reporters on the plane before landing, the Pope acknowledged that sexual abuse remained “an open wound” for the Church.

A 2023 study by the Spanish ombudsman’s office found that 1.1% of the population had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of members of the clergy or individuals linked to the Church, which equates to 440,000 people.

The Church has contested these findings, according to the BBC.

In response, King Felipe praised Pope Leo’s “clarity and firmness” on the issue, saying it was “essential in the process of healing and reparation of the damage inflicted,” according to the BBC.

Migration and Policy

Later in the trip, in the Canary Islands, the Pope will be joined by Prime Minister Sanchez to honor thousands of migrants who have died trying to reach Europe.

Nearly 47,000 people reached the Canary Islands in 2024, and the Spanish non-government organization Caminando Fronteras estimates more than 9,000 migrants have died attempting the journey.

Spain’s immigration policy under its left-wing government is in stark contrast to much of Europe, including plans to give legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, allowing them to be integrated formally into the workforce.

On a lighter note, when asked whether he preferred Barcelona or Real Madrid, Pope Leo replied with typical diplomatic tact that the Pope supported all teams.

“But Prevost is for Real Madrid,” he added, using his birth name Robert Francis Prevost, according to the BBC.