Pope Leo addresses Spain’s parliament in a rare, wide-ranging speech warning that the world is in “profound” crisis marked by escalating conflict, deepening polarization, and widespread disregard for human rights. The pontiff urges lawmakers and the international community to work to end wars and address the causes and consequences of migration, which he describes as a “tragic drama of migration.”
Multiple reports say the speech also expands beyond conflict and migration, touching on issues including a broader “spiritual and cultural crisis,” artificial intelligence, the climate emergency, and ethical debates such as abortion and euthanasia. Reuters and other outlets report the pope repeats his opposition to increased European military spending and calls instead for efforts directed toward peace and supporting migrants.
The Guardian reports that the address is delivered in Spanish and receives a prolonged standing ovation from lawmakers, lasting several minutes. Overall, the coverage depicts one of the pope’s most expansive political talks to a national legislature in recent years, with an emphasis on international leadership and human rights.
