MADRID — Pope Leo XIV called for respect for the rights of migrants and international law during a historic address to Spain’s parliament on Monday, the first such papal speech to the country’s legislature.
The American-born pontiff spoke at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid as part of his apostolic journey to Spain from June 6 to 12. Lawmakers from both chambers gave him a seven-minute standing ovation at the conclusion of the address, according to officials and media reports.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for a “moral renewal” in public life to uphold the dignity of all people, including migrants, the unborn and the vulnerable. He addressed the “tragic drama of migration,” urging strengthened international efforts to combat human smuggling and create conditions allowing people to remain in their home countries.
For those forced to flee due to conflict, poverty or climate change, the pope called for welcome, acceptance and integration. He stressed that countries have a moral duty to protect migrants while placing persons at the center of responses, beyond mere management of migration flows.
“The tragic drama of migration challenges today the conscience of nations and the ethical foundation of the international order,” Pope Leo XIV said in the speech, according to Vatican transcripts.
The address covered broader themes including peace, the protection of human life from conception to natural death, support for families, and ethical oversight of artificial intelligence and new technologies. It marked a notable moment of Catholic Church engagement in Spain’s public sphere, in a country often described as overwhelmingly secular.
Spanish officials, including Congress President Francina Armengol, hosted the event. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other leaders were present. The speech occurred amid ongoing European discussions on migration policy, with Spain managing arrivals particularly in the Canary Islands.
Reactions varied along political lines, with some lawmakers welcoming the focus on human dignity and migrant rights, while others noted the pope’s calls for balanced approaches respecting national sovereignty. Details on specific policy proposals stemming directly from the address remained unclear immediately afterward.
As of Tuesday, the Vatican and Spanish authorities had not released further immediate follow-up statements on implementation. The pope’s visit continues with additional engagements, including meetings related to migrants and other pastoral activities. No changes to the schedule were announced.
