The pope is in secularized, polarized Spain, where the Catholic Church has a complex legacy

Pope Leo XIV begins a seven-day visit to Spain in 2026, meeting with King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The trip addresses the Catholic Church's sexual abuse crisis and marks the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, emphasizing Europe's Christian roots. The Pope also acknowledges competition with Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny's concerts in Madrid.