APTOPIX Spain Pope

Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by the President of the Spanish Parliament Francina Armengol upon his arrival at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, Monday, June 8, 2026.

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Pope's historic speech to Spain's parliament demands respect for migrants and gets 7-minute ovation

Pope's historic speech to Spain's parliament demands respect for migrants and gets 7-minute ovation

Spain's lawmakers have given Pope Leo XIV a lengthy standing ovation after his historic address to parliament. This marks a new level of acceptance of the Catholic Church in largely secular Spain. Leo on Monday called for respect for migrants' rights and international law. He emphasized a "moral renewal" to ensure dignity for all, including the vulnerable. He also urged dialogue amid new tensions between Israel and Iran. And he highlighted the need for ethical oversight of AI in weapons systems. He called for efforts to prevent migrant smuggling and promote integration. Spain’s Socialist-led government has defended immigration on economic and humanitarian grounds.