MADRID: Pope Leo said on Monday that escalating conflicts and polarization were pushing the world into a “profound spiritual and cultural crisis.” In an address to Spain’s parliament during a week-long tour of the country, Leo, the first US pope, also firmly reiterated his opposition to increased European military spending — calling it “troubling” — and urged help for the world’s migrants. The pontiff also called for a global response to the “tragic drama” of migration, saying there should be a “respectful welcome” for migrants.

Pope Leo XIV heads to Spain on Saturday for a visit focused on immigration and social justice at a politically turbulent time for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Pope Leo leaves on Saturday for a week-long visit to Spain, his first to an EU country outside Italy, where he will inaugurate a new tower in Barcelona's famed Sagrada Familia…