Pope Leo XIV makes his first address to the Spanish parliament, calling for greater respect for migrants’ rights and for international law. Multiple outlets describe the speech as historic, taking place in a largely secular country where the Catholic Church’s public role has typically been more limited. The pope’s remarks focus on the treatment and protections owed to migrants and the importance of adherence to international legal standards.
In coverage across outlets, Spanish lawmakers respond with an extended display of support, including a standing ovation that lasts about seven minutes. PBS NewsHour and the Washington Times both characterize the length of the ovation as notable. Other reporting frames the event as reflecting a broader level of acceptance of the Catholic Church in Spain’s public sphere. Overall, the sources agree that the pope’s message centers on migrants and international law and that the parliament’s reaction signals a strong moment of approval from lawmakers.
