Migrants, wars and divisions: Pope Leo places Spain at the heart of his first major European trip

Pope Leo XIV begins a week-long visit to Spain on Saturday, his first trip to a European Union country outside of Italy since the start of his pontificate. This trip, which will take place from June 6 to 12, is expected to be marked by statements on migration, international conflicts, and the growing polarization of Western societies.

During this visit, the Pope will travel to Madrid, Barcelona, ​​the Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands. One of the most symbolic moments of the trip will be the inauguration of a new tower of the famous Sagrada Família, an iconic monument of the Catalan capital.

The Pope is also scheduled to meet with migrants who have crossed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe, as well as with organizations involved in assisting them. According to the Vatican, migration is a central concern for the head of the Catholic Church, who regularly emphasizes the need to consider migrants first and foremost as human beings.

This stop in the Canary Islands takes on a particular significance, as the archipelago is one of the main entry points for migrants into Europe. Leo XIV had already distinguished himself through his criticism of restrictive immigration policies, particularly those advocated by the American president. Donald Trump.

The trip will also be marked by a series of public addresses. The Pope is scheduled to deliver more than twenty speeches and will become the first pontiff to address the Spanish Parliament. According to Vatican officials, he is expected to use this platform to denounce the ongoing wars in several regions of the world and warn against the rise of political and social divisions.

With large crowds expected along his route, this visit is considered a major test for the pontificate of Leo XIV. It should allow the first American pope to further clarify his vision of major international challenges and the role the Church intends to play in the face of contemporary crises.