Pope Leo embarks on a groundbreaking seven-day journey to Spain this Saturday, marking his inaugural visit to a European Union nation outside of Italy. The historic trip will conclude with the pontiff encountering migrants in the Canary Islands who risked treacherous Atlantic crossings to reach European shores.
The first American pontiff, who previously drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for condemning anti-immigration policies, is anticipated to draw massive crowds during his June 6-12 visit. He will also become the first pope to deliver an address to Spain’s parliament.
Leo’s travel schedule encompasses visits to Madrid, Montserrat and Barcelona, where he will officially open the newest tower of the Sagrada Familia, the renowned modernist basilica that now stands as the world’s tallest church.
PERILOUS JOURNEY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
During the final two days of his trip, the pope will journey to the Spanish islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, located off Africa’s western coast, where he will encounter migrants and organizations committed to assisting them.
The island visit will demonstrate that the pope stands “shoulder to shoulder” with migrants, according to Caya Suárez Ortega, who leads the Church’s primary NGO in the Canary Islands.
“The first thing the migrants said to me when they were invited (to the papal meetings) … was their enormous gratitude that he would stand alongside them,” said Suárez, director of Caritas Canarias.
According to NGO Caminando Fronteras, more than 3,000 individuals perished in 2025 attempting to reach the Canary Islands, frequently in improvised dinghies.
The papal visit occurs as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s administration has launched a comprehensive amnesty program, enabling approximately 500,000 immigrants to seek legal status.
Sanchez, who has received international praise after sharply criticizing Trump, currently trails in polling and faces scrutiny over multiple corruption allegations involving his party.
The pope will deliver two speeches in Madrid to Spain’s political leadership: Saturday at the Royal Palace following his meeting with King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Monday at parliament.
VISITOR INTEREST REACHES ‘REMARKABLE’ LEVELS
In recent months, the pope has adopted a more assertive stance and released an impassioned manifesto last week calling on world governments to decelerate AI system development.
Leo, who served for decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru before assuming the papacy last May, is expected to communicate in Spanish throughout his visit.
Trip organizers report overwhelming interest in the papal visit, with over 500,000 individuals requesting attendance at various events.
The most significant gathering will likely be an outdoor Mass on Sunday at Madrid’s iconic Plaza de Cibeles, according to Rafael Rubio, the national coordinator for the visit. “The numbers are astonishing,” he stated.
Benedict XVI was the last pope to visit Spain, in 2011.
Narciso Michavila Nuñez, a sociologist with Spanish consulting firm GAD3, noted that young Spaniards have demonstrated exceptional interest in the visit. “This is the first time they are going to see a pope,” he explained.
Following three days in Madrid, Leo will travel to Catalonia, the autonomous region in northeastern Spain.
In Montserrat, located 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Barcelona, he will visit and dine with Benedictine monks residing at an 11th century abbey built into mountain cliffs.
Sister Teresa Forcades, from a nearby separate community of Benedictine nuns, revealed her group was not invited to participate in the papal events there.
“No nun … has been invited to greet the pope or to the lunch,” she stated. “Maybe if Pope Leo knew about it, he would like to change it.”
A Vatican spokesman did not respond to inquiries about why the nuns were excluded from the events.
POTENTIAL MEETING WITH ABUSE SURVIVORS
While not included on the public schedule, Leo will likely meet privately with Spanish survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, according to informed sources.
A 2023 report by Spain’s human rights ombudsman estimated hundreds of thousands of clergy abuse victims there spanning decades, reflecting similar scandals that have impacted the Church worldwide.
The Vatican typically does not announce pope-survivor meetings beforehand to safeguard survivors’ privacy.
Leo, who has completed three previous international trips since becoming pope, has not previously met with abuse survivors during a visit.
