Pope Leo departed Saturday for a seven-day journey to Spain, marking his inaugural visit to a European Union nation beyond Italy’s borders. The pontiff will dedicate a new tower at Barcelona’s renowned Sagrada Familia basilica and engage with migrants who endured perilous Atlantic crossings to reach European shores.
The Catholic Church’s first American leader is anticipated to attract substantial crowds during his June 6-12 journey, which encompasses destinations in Madrid, Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands, a Spanish island chain located off Africa’s western coastline.
During his final destination, Leo, who previously drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for condemning his immigration stance, will engage with migrants and organizations committed to assisting them.
According to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican’s press office, the migrant situation holds deep significance for the pope. “These are people, and their stories must touch us,” Bruni stated.
Leo, who has recently adopted stronger rhetoric regarding global leadership trends, has scheduled over 20 speeches and will make history as the first pope to speak before the Spanish parliament.
Bruni indicated that during his Spanish visit, Leo will likely condemn ongoing global conflicts and advocate for dialogue to address increasing political and social division.
Before assuming the papacy last May, Leo served for decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, and plans to deliver most speeches in Spanish during the visit.
However, when meeting migrants on Tenerife island, he intends to communicate in French since many originate from Francophone Africa.
Unlike many prominent Western nations, particularly Trump’s United States, Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s administration has launched a comprehensive amnesty initiative, enabling approximately 500,000 immigrants to seek legal recognition.
According to the NGO Caminando Fronteras, over 3,000 individuals perished in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands, frequently using improvised boats.
While Sanchez has received international praise for criticizing Trump, he faces domestic pressure from multiple corruption accusations targeting his party.
Following his Saturday morning arrival in Madrid, Leo will meet King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace and speak to diplomats and civic leaders.
On the same day, he will gather with young people in the plaza outside the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid soccer club’s home venue, and visit a Catholic organization serving homeless individuals.
