What to know about Pope Leo's trip to Spain, from political scandal to Barcelona's architectural gem

Pope Leo XIV's weeklong Spain visit anchors its theme of unity as he travels through Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands. The trip runs June 6–12 and marks the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, organized in three distinct chapters with separate focuses. In Madrid, the pope will address both chambers of the Spanish parliament on June 8, an unprecedented moment for a visiting pope that underscores the trip’s ceremonial weight. He aims to reinforce messages of peace, migrant welcome and hope for young Spaniards amid a charged political climate, even as the clergy abuse crisis continues to cast a shadow over papal travel. The Vatican has confirmed he will meet abuse survivors during the visit, signaling a public acknowledgment of past failures.