Pope Leo has called on political leaders to seek unity and fight for peace during his opening speech in Spain, marking the beginning of his first European Union tour outside Italy. The pontiff emphasized the importance of respecting every human being, a message he aims to convey throughout his visit.

In Madrid, Pope Leo met with homeless people, highlighting his focus on marginalized communities. He also traveled to the Canary Islands to meet with migrants, underscoring his commitment to addressing immigration issues. This visit comes amid a resurgence of Catholic identification in Spain, with projections indicating that 28.8% of young people will identify as Catholic by 2025, up from 17.6% in 2010.

During his tour, Pope Leo is scheduled to deliver 20 speeches, addressing themes such as empathy for migrants and the dangers of demagoguery. At the royal palace in Madrid, attended by King Felipe VI, Pope Leo warned against the temptation to gain popularity through polarization, stating, "Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarisation seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated."

Pope Leo also addressed the use of technology and social media, suggesting that they deepen societal divisions and prevent introspection. He recently released a letter on the dangers of artificial intelligence, suggesting humanity is at a moral crossroads.

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The pontiff pointed to Spain's history of religious coexistence, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews once lived peacefully and cooperated to advance knowledge. He stated, "Your own history suggests that a culture of encounter, not confrontation, is what encourage stability and prosperity."

Pope Leo's visit also includes meetings with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, acknowledging that "abuses are still an open wound." This comes as the Spanish Catholic Church confronts its history of abuse.

The visit is not without controversy, as Pope Leo has previously clashed with US President Donald Trump over immigration policies and the war with Iran. Despite these challenges, the pontiff remains committed to promoting peace and unity, urging people to set aside divisive narratives.

Thousands gathered in the streets of Madrid to witness Pope Leo touring in the popemobile, proof of the impact of his message. As his visit continues, the focus remains on fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.