Pope Reflects on Spain Trip, Says Migration Concerns Call for Christians to Reread the Gospel
He said the archipelago’s role as a gateway for thousands of migrants from Africa demands coordinated action and a Christian response to human dignity.
- On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Pope Leo XIV reflected on his Apostolic Journey to Spain during his weekly General Audience, citing the "warm welcome" he received as evidence of a widespread search for unity.
- More than 1.2 million people attended Mass at Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles, while another 500,000 gathered for a youth prayer vigil at Plaza de Lima, demonstrating the faith of the Spanish people.
- Visiting Barcelona's Sagrada Família, the Pope celebrated the "encounter of ancient and modern" culture, describing Europe's heritage as a living reality that must be safeguarded to address modern challenges like peace and human dignity.
- Migration challenges in the Canary Islands prompted the Pope to warn against indifference to migrant deaths, calling for "organic and coordinated action plans" to build a "civilization of love."
- Concluding the address, the Pope invited the faithful to adopt the journey's motto, "Lift up your gaze," encouraging them to look at the world "through God's eyes" with love, respect, and compassion.
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Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s general audience given June 17, 2026
(OSV News) -- The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s general audience address given June 17 in St. Peter’s Square. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! Today, I would like to share some reflections on the Apostolic Journey I made last week to Spain, visiting Madrid, Barcelona, the Abbey of
Pope reflects on Spain trip, says migration concerns call for Christians to reread the Gospel - The Dialog
VATICAN CITY — Reflecting on his weeklong trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV said one of his clearest impressions came from the Canary Islands, where migration revealed both the challenges facing Europe and what he described as a Christian path toward a “civilization of love.” Speaking at his weekly general audience June 17, the pope said the archipelago’s role as a gateway for thousands of migrants from Africa offered a “comprehensive insight” into a …
The Pope's Apostolic Journey to Spain, as Told by the Pope Himself: This Is How Pope Leo XIV Experienced Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands - ZENIT
(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 06.17.2026).- On Wednesday, June 17, the Holy Father held his traditional general audience in St. Peter’s Square before thousands of pilgrims gathered there. After touring the avenues of the square in the popemobile, Leo XIV delivered his weekly catechesis, which on this occasion was devoted to recounting his own experience of his recent visit to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. Below is the English translat…
Catholic Review
Northwest CatholicPope reflects on Spain trip, says migration concerns call for Christians to reread the Gospel
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Reflecting on his weeklong trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV said one of his clearest impressions came from the Canary Islands, where migration revealed both the challenges facing Europe and what he described as a Christian path toward a “civilization of love.” Speaking at his weekly general audience June 17, the pope said the archipelago’s role as a gateway for thousands of migrants from Africa offered a “comprehensive insight” i…
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