MADIRD: Pope Leo XIV on Saturday hailed Spain, whose government has opposed wars in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, for its “commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples” during a state visit.
“I express my gratitude to your country for its faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism, which is reflected in an active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples,” Leo told a reception at Madrid’s royal palace.
Pope Leo urged global leaders to avoid dividing their electorates with “sterile simplifications” to gain popularity and called on them to listen to the world’s cries for peace, in a forceful speech opening a week-long tour of Spain.
Leo will meet homeless people in Madrid and migrants in the Canary Islands during a visit he has said he hopes will set an example to the world about respecting “every human being.”
“Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated,” Leo said in the speech.
