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What to know about Pope Leo’s trip to Spain, from political scandal to Barcelona’s architectural gem

Pope Leo XIV began a weeklong visit to Spain today, his first in 15 years, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands focused on unity, peace, and welcoming migrants.
Facing intense polarization, Pope Leo XIV will address Las Cortes Generales on Monday, June 8, a historic first no pope has ever attempted, amid political turmoil involving the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro and far-right Vox.
The Vatican confirmed on Friday that Pope Leo XIV will meet with clergy sexual abuse survivors during his visit, reflecting the Spanish Catholic hierarchy's reckoning with decades of abuse and cover-up.
Traveling to Barcelona on June 9, Pope Leo XIV will honor architect Antoni Gaudí at the Sagrada Familia, then visit the Canary Islands June 11-12 to minister to migrants arriving from Africa.
In Madrid, Pope Leo XIV will preside over a prayer vigil for young people recalling World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI in 2011, while Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny holds concert shows in the capital.

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Pope Leo visits a polarized Spain where conservatives are turning on the church

On the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, Leo plans to address political polarization and showcase the Catholic Church as an advocate for migrants and asylum seekers.

3 hours ago

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ESdiario

Lean Right

Pope Leo XIV Has Already Landed at Barajas Airport: a Busy Schedule Begins

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Spain to begin his apostolic journey through Madrid, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands, which will conclude on June 12. The papal plane landed at 10:13 a.m. on June 6 at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, from where he will begin a busy schedule. Read more

4 hours ago

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Vatican News

Lean Right

Pope Leo departs for Apostolic Journey to Spain

Pope Leo XIV departs for Apostolic Journey to the European nation of Spain, which will see him visit Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. Read all

5 hours ago

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Corriere Della Sera

Center

Pope Leo in Spain, He Will Inaugurate the Sagrada Familia Just Finished. Because It Is a Difficult Trip (and Why for Prevost Europe Can Be a Model)

The Pope will meet today the Royals of Spain, on Monday he will be the first pontiff to address the Congress. And on the 10th he will inaugurate the Tower of Christ that will complete Gaudi's genius work

5 hours ago·Italy

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Deutsche Welle

Center

Pope Leo to focus on immigration, social justice in Spain

Pope Leo XIV begins a weeklong trip to Spain, turning papal attention back to Europe and its Christian roots. The pope will also meet with some victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.

7 hours ago·Bonn, Germany

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