Pope Leo will travel to Spain on Saturday for a week-long visit, marking his first trip to a European Union country outside Italy. He will end the trip with meetings with migrants in the Canary Islands who crossed dangerous Atlantic waters to reach Europe.
The visit runs from June 6 to June 12 and is expected to draw large crowds. It also marks the first time a pope addresses the Spanish parliament. Migration remains a key theme of the trip amid ongoing political debate in Europe.
During the visit, Pope Leo will travel to Madrid, Montserrat, and Barcelona. In Barcelona, he will inaugurate a new tower of the Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. The structure now stands as the world’s tallest church.
On the final days, the pope will visit Tenerife and Gran Canaria. There, he will meet migrants and organisations that support them. Church officials say the visit shows solidarity with people who risk their lives on the Atlantic migration route.
According to NGO Caminando Fronteras, more than 3,000 people died in 2025 while attempting the journey to the Canary Islands. Aid group Caritas Canarias said migrants welcomed the pope’s visit and expressed gratitude.
In Spain, the government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez runs a large-scale amnesty programme for undocumented migrants. The plan allows around 500,000 people to apply for legal status.
Pope Leo will also meet political leaders in Madrid. He will speak at the Royal Palace after meeting King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. He will later address the Spanish parliament, becoming the first pope to do so.
The visit has drawn major public interest. Organisers said more than 500,000 people requested access to events. A large outdoor Mass will take place at Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles.
The pope will also visit Catalonia and spend time at the Montserrat monastery with Benedictine monks. He is expected to deliver speeches in Spanish throughout the trip.
Although not confirmed, sources say he may also meet survivors of clergy sexual abuse during the visit.
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