Pope Leo XIV Calls for Migrant Rights and Global Diplomacy During Historic Address to Spanish Parliament

MADRID — In a landmark address to the Spanish legislature, Pope Leo XIV called for a renewed respect for international law and the fundamental rights of migrants. The visit marks a significant moment of reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the public sphere in Spain, a nation characterized by its strong secularism.

During this inaugural address to the Spanish parliament, the American pope emphasized the need for a “moral renewal” within political institutions to safeguard the dignity of all individuals, specifically highlighting migrants, the unborn, and the most vulnerable members of society.

“The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to accompany, protect and love those lives that are most fragile,” Leo stated.

Papal addresses to foreign legislatures are infrequent, as they often carry implications of formal religious recognition by state lawmakers. Notable exceptions include Pope Francis’s 2015 address to the U.S. Congress and Pope Benedict XVI’s 2011 speech to the German Bundestag.

The invitation to speak at Las Cortes Generales reflects a growing acceptance of the Church in Spanish political life, a stark contrast to the decades following the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, when the Church wielded immense social and political influence. While many Spaniards maintain a Catholic identity, religious participation has declined significantly as the country has secularized.

Despite this trend, Leo received a sustained standing ovation from lawmakers across the political spectrum, accompanied by chants of “Viva el Papa!”

The Pope’s remarks coincided with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Addressing the threat of regional conflict, Leo advocated for diplomacy as the primary tool for dispute resolution.

“Peace demands diplomatic courage, ethical responsibility and a vision for the future grounded in respect for the identity of every people and in the obligation of states to resolve their disputes through the peaceful means offered by international law,” he remarked.

He also expressed concern regarding rising European defense spending, driven by the conflict in Ukraine and shifting geopolitical stances from the United States. “It is therefore a cause for concern that, in various parts of the world — and in Europe as well — rearmament is once again being presented as an almost inevitable response to the fragility of the international situation,” he said.

Furthermore, the Pope called for “rigorous ethical oversight” of artificial intelligence in warfare, insisting that decisions concerning life and death must never be delegated to automated weapons systems.

Drawing on history, Leo referenced the 16th-century School of Salamanca, a Spanish intellectual tradition that helped shape modern concepts of international law and human rights. He praised those theologians who argued that power must have moral limits and that reason should not be used to justify mere self-interest.

In a moment of historical reflection, Leo acknowledged that both society and the Church have failed to live up to these ideals, referencing the Church’s past role in colonialism and the slave trade—an issue for which the Holy See has recently apologized.

Addressing modern migration, Leo urged multilateral cooperation to combat human trafficking and improve conditions in home countries to prevent forced displacement. However, for those fleeing violence or climate change, he advocated for compassionate integration. He echoed the legacy of Pope Francis by insisting on the dignity of migrants, particularly in light of strict migration policies in the United States.

“This gives rise to a twofold demand for social justice: to offer safe and legal pathways, a respectful welcome and real opportunities for integration; and, at the same time, to promote the right to remain in one’s own land,” he explained.

Spain’s current government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has diverged from many European trends by defending immigration as a humanitarian and economic necessity. Sánchez has promoted legal migration to address Spain’s aging population and declining birth rates.

The Pope’s visit arrives during a challenging period for Sánchez, whose administration faces various political pressures and investigations into former officials. Spain remains deeply divided by political polarization, which has frequently led to legislative gridlock.

Addressing this division, Leo warned that “political pluralism should not degenerate into the constant disparagement of one’s adversary.”

The alignment between the atheist Prime Minister and the Catholic Pope is notable, particularly as Sánchez has recently described Leo as a “moral compass.” Both leaders have advocated for diplomatic solutions to Middle Eastern conflicts, with Leo describing recent strikes on Iran as “unjust.”

“Weapons may impose a temporary silence; but they can never build a genuine and lasting peace,” Leo concluded.

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