Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Spain for a high-profile visit that places strong attention on migration, social justice, and the role of the Catholic Church in public life.
On arrival in Madrid, the pope was received at the royal palace by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, marking the start of a week-long programme of engagements across the country.
Large public gatherings are expected during the visit. A prayer vigil is scheduled near Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with hundreds of thousands of people anticipated to attend. This will be followed by a major outdoor Mass in the city centre, expected to draw around one million worshippers.
The pope is also set to address Spain’s parliament and take part in events in Barcelona, where he will bless the new tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica, now recognised as the tallest church building in the world.
A key part of the trip involves meetings with survivors of clerical abuse, as the Catholic Church continues to face pressure over historical cases in Spain. Church and government authorities have recently agreed on compensation measures for victims after years of dispute.
Migration will be another major focus. Pope Leo is expected to visit the Canary Islands, a key entry point for migrants arriving in Europe after dangerous journeys from Africa. There, he will meet migrant communities and aid organisations, and join Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in honouring those who died at sea.
The visit is taking place in a politically tense atmosphere, with Spain’s government facing criticism over corruption allegations linked to figures close to Prime Minister Sanchez. Despite this, the government says it will complete its term until the next election in 2027.
Security has been tightened across all locations, with thousands of police officers deployed and thousands of journalists covering the events.
This trip is Pope Leo XIV’s first official visit to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pontiff, and the first papal visit to Spain in more than a decade.
