Pope says 'polarizing narratives' and 'sterile simplifications' must stop

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on Saturday to begin a highly anticipated, week-long apostolic journey to Spain. This marks the first papal visit to mainland Spain in 15 years, a trip heavily focused on themes of political polarization, immigration, and global peace.

Speaking before King Felipe VI, the diplomatic corps, and civil authorities at Madrid’s Royal Palace, the Pontiff addressed the deep ideological divides currently impacting both Spain and the wider European landscape.