Pope Leo begins Spain visit with praise for government

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Pope Leo begins Spain visit with praise for government55 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleTom McArthurGetty ImagesKing Felipe praises the Pope's "clarity and firmness" on the issue of sexual abuse within the ChurchPope Leo XIV has started his official visit to Spain by praising its government's opposition to wars as well as its support for migrants. Speaking at a reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the royal palace in Madrid, Pope Leo spoke of Spain's "active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples". Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has clashed with US President Donald Trump over Iran, and with Israel over the war in Gaza and the Pope hailed Spain's "faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism".

During his seven-day visit, Pope Leo will meet victims who experienced sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, as well as groups that look after the welfare of migrants. Pope Leo says AI must be 'disarmed' in first major teachingImmigration is a divisive issue in Spain, and the Pope's focus on the issue during his tour could be seen as support for the socialist prime minister. He will also deliver an unprecedented address before the Spanish parliament.

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The Chicago-born pontiff has himself been harshly criticised by Trump for his anti-war views. The message of peace, the Pope said in Madrid, "at present unfortunately strikes some as naive and others as confrontational" but should instead be "welcomed by those who do not shut themselves off in preconceived ideologies". Getty ImagesAround 400,000 mostly young people were expected at a prayer vigil near Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium on SaturdaySpeaking to reporters on the plane before landing, the Pope said sexual abuse remained "an open wound" for the Church.

Sanchez's government and the Catholic Church in Spain signed an agreement in March to compensate victims after years of complaints that religious leaders had failed to tackle the issue adequately. A 2023 study by the Spanish ombudsman's office, which investigates public complaints, estimated that 1. 1% of the population had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of members of the clergy or individuals linked to the Church - the equivalent of 440,000 people.

The Church has contested these findings. On Saturday, King Felipe hailed Pope Leo's "clarity and firmness" on the issue, saying it was "essential in the process of healing and reparation of the damage inflicted". In the Canary Islands later in the trip, the Pope will be joined by Sanchez to honour 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 organisation Caminando Fronteras estimates more than 9,000 migrants have died trying.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.