Pope Leo XIV has praised Spain for its stance on Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, and for welcoming migrants, at the start of a weeklong state visit that marks the first papal trip to the country in fifteen years.

He is expected to attract large crowds on the June 6 to 12 visit and will also be the first pope to address the Spanish parliament.

Pope Leo XIV heads to Spain on Saturday for a visit with a strong focus on immigration and politics, in a traditionally Catholic country where religious observance is fast…