Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged the Catholic Church in Spain to remain close to migrants and refugees, calling on bishops, priests and Church communities to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with people forced to leave their homes in search of safety and a better future.
Pope’s message comes just days before his apostolic visit to Spain, scheduled from June 6 to June 12. The visit is expected to focus strongly on the issue of migration, which continues to be one of the most important social and humanitarian challenges facing Europe.
In a message addressed to Spain’s bishops, Pope Leo stressed the importance of welcoming migrants with compassion and dignity. He encouraged Church leaders to continue supporting those who arrive in Spain after making difficult and often dangerous journeys from Africa and other regions affected by poverty, conflict and instability.
A key part of Pope’s visit will be the Canary Islands, one of the main entry points for migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Atlantic route. Thousands of people have arrived on the islands in recent years after crossing the sea in overcrowded and unsafe boats. Many humanitarian organizations have described the route as one of the most dangerous migration paths in the world.
During his time in the Canary Islands, Pope Leo is expected to meet migrants, aid workers and Church volunteers who provide assistance to newcomers. Vatican officials say the visit is intended to highlight the human stories behind migration and draw attention to the challenges faced by those seeking protection and opportunities for a better life.
Migration has become a defining theme of Pope Leo’s young pontificate. Since his election, he has repeatedly spoken about the need to respect the dignity of migrants and refugees. In previous remarks, he warned against treating migrants as burdens or statistics and called for policies that balance national concerns with compassion and respect for human rights.
Pope’s position follows a long tradition of Catholic social teaching that emphasizes care for vulnerable people. Church leaders across Spain have welcomed his message, saying it offers encouragement to local communities that work with migrants and refugees every day.
The visit also comes at a time when migration remains a major topic of public debate in Spain and across Europe. Governments continue to discuss how to manage migration flows while addressing concerns related to security, integration and social services. At the same time, humanitarian groups have urged European countries to provide greater support for people fleeing difficult conditions in their home countries.
Apart from the Canary Islands, Pope Leo’s visit will include stops in Madrid, Barcelona and Montserrat. He is expected to celebrate Masses, meet political and religious leaders and address important social issues affecting Spain and Europe.
Observers believe the Pope will use the journey not only as a pastoral visit but also as an opportunity to deliver a strong message of solidarity. By placing migrants at the centre of his visit, Pope Leo is seeking to remind both the Church and society that behind every migration statistic is a human person with hopes, fears and dreams.
As preparations continue for the visit, many are looking forward to hearing Pope’s message on migration, inclusion and human dignity, themes that are increasingly shaping his leadership of the Catholic Church.