Pope's Spain Tour to Address Migration and Cultural Heritage

Pope Leo plans to visit the Canary Islands and Spain in June to address migration issues and strengthen cultural ties. This will be his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy. His itinerary also includes meetings with Spanish leadership and visits to significant cultural sites.

Pope Leo is set to embark on a significant tour of Spain next month, with visits planned for two of the Canary Islands, key gateways for migrants seeking entry to Europe. These islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, have seen considerable migrant activity, with over 3,000 individuals tragically losing their lives attempting to reach them in 2025, according to NGO Caminando Fronteras.

His Holiness will meet migrants and organizations on the ground, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian support amid Spain’s recent amnesty program allowing approximately 500,000 immigrants to apply for legal status. His itinerary includes visits to Madrid for high-profile meetings with King Felipe and Queen Letizia, as well as addresses at iconic locations like the Royal Palace and the Spanish Parliament.

Beyond Madrid, Pope Leo will explore Catalonia with stops in Montserrat to engage with the Benedictine community and Barcelona to inaugurate the latest tower of the Sagrada Familia. His broader mission highlights his growing outspokenness on global issues, having recently criticized global leadership during a tour in Africa. The visit marks a culturally and politically poignant moment, timed to coincide with significant international events.