Madrid, June 7 (SANA) Pope Leo XIV on Saturday called on political leaders to reject polarization and divisive rhetoric, urging greater unity and renewed efforts to promote peace as he began a week-long visit to Spain.
Speaking at Madrid’s Royal Palace alongside King Felipe VI, the Pope warned against seeking political support through social divisions and said technology and social media can contribute to prejudice and undermine critical thinking.
Referring to Spain’s historical experience of coexistence among Christians, Muslims and Jews, Leo said dialogue and mutual understanding help foster stability and prosperity.
The visit, which runs through June 12, marks the first papal trip to Spain since 2011 and Pope Leo’s first visit to a European Union country outside Italy.
During the visit, the Pope is expected to deliver around 20 speeches focused on migration, peace and social cohesion. His schedule also includes meetings with homeless people, migrants in the Canary Islands and survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Describing abuse as “an open wound,” Leo said he would meet survivors during the visit. A 2023 report by Spain’s human rights ombudsman estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may have suffered abuse over past decades.
Spain has recently introduced measures providing a pathway to legal residency for around 500,000 immigrants, a policy that contrasts with increasingly restrictive migration approaches adopted in some other European countries.
M.F /ABD
