Madrid: Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for peace and dialogue while travelling to Spain on Saturday, using his first apostolic visit to the country as an opportunity to speak about faith, reconciliation, and some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.
Speaking to more than eighty journalists aboard the papal flight from Rome to Madrid, Pope stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts, particularly /the war in Ukraine, and expressed concern for the people of Lebanon. He also addressed the Church’s ongoing efforts to respond to the painful issue of abuse.
The aircraft departed from Rome's Fiumicino International Airport shortly after 8 a.m. and headed to Madrid, the first stop on a journey that will also take Pope to Barcelona, Montserrat, and the Canary Islands.
As is customary during papal journeys, Pope Leo moved to the rear of the aircraft before landing to greet journalists accompanying him on the trip. The encounter was warm and informal, with the Pope shaking hands, smiling, and answering questions on a range of topics.
The visit marks the first papal trip to Spain in many years. Speaking to reporters, Pope Leo said he was personally delighted to be visiting the country.
“This journey is an Apostolic Visit intended to meet the faithful,” he said. “It is a chance to celebrate the faith and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, while also greeting society as a whole because the Church has a message for everyone.”
Pope highlighted the importance of sharing values such as love, charity, and respect for every human person. He expressed particular joy about meeting young people expected to gather in large numbers during the visit.
He said the enthusiasm of young Catholics offers an opportunity to share the joy of faith and present a hopeful message to communities across Spain.
International affairs also featured prominently in the conversation with journalists. Pope Leo again appealed for efforts to continue along the path of peace and dialogue in Ukraine. He also reaffirmed the Holy See’s concern for Lebanon and noted that the Vatican remains in close contact with religious authorities in the country.
When asked about the concept of a “just war” in relation to Iran, Pope responded that the traditional criteria for a just war are not present in today's circumstances.
He noted that the theory was developed centuries ago, long before humanity possessed modern weapons capable of causing destruction on an unprecedented scale. His remarks reflected the Vatican's consistent emphasis on diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Pope also acknowledged the ongoing pain caused by abuse within the Church. During the visit to Spain, he is expected to meet survivors of abuse committed by members of the clergy. The meeting was arranged by the local Church and confirmed by the Holy See Press Office.
Alongside discussions of global issues, the journey included several symbolic gestures. Journalists travelling with Pope received handmade rosaries crafted by cloistered nuns and monks from monasteries across Spain. The religious communities pledged to pray a Rosary for each member of the media covering the papal visit.
The gesture highlighted the spiritual support being offered for those reporting on the journey and symbolically connected the world of communication with the hidden life of prayer.
Pope Leo was also presented with a drawing created by young patients at Rome’s Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital before his departure.
As Pope arrived in Spain, church bells rang across dioceses throughout the country, welcoming the Successor of Saint Peter and marking the beginning of a visit expected to draw thousands of faithful and generate renewed reflection on faith, peace, and unity.