The apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV to Spain began from Madrid. The plane carrying the Pontiff landed at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, kicking off the visit which will end on 12 June and which also includes stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
The Holy Father was welcomed by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. After the official welcome ceremony, Leo XIV participated in the institutional meetings scheduled in the Spanish capital and reached the Apostolic Nunciature, where he will stay until 9 June.
Words about the war in Ukraine
During the flight to Madrid, answering journalists’ questions, the Pontiff returned to the topic of international conflicts. Referring to the war in Ukraine, he stated that “we need to push for negotiations”, underlining the importance of diplomatic efforts to bring about a solution to the conflict. :contentReference(oaicite:3){index=3}
The Pope also addressed other current issues, focusing on the issue of sexual abuse in the Church, defining it as “a still open wound”, and announcing that he will meet some victims during the trip.
A week between Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands
The trip program includes numerous religious and institutional events. In Madrid the Pontiff will celebrate mass in the Plaza de Cibeles and will participate in meetings with young people, representatives of culture and civil society. He will subsequently travel to Barcelona and the Canary Islands for a series of pastoral events and public celebrations.
The one in Spain is the fourth international apostolic trip of Leo XIV and represents one of the main pastoral visits of his pontificate.