The historic seven-day visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain began this morning, with the capital as the first stop. The head of the Roman Catholic Church arrived in Madrid, where he was received with the highest honors prescribed by protocol.
At the airport of the Spanish capital, the Pontiff was personally welcomed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Immediately after his arrival, Pope Leo XIV proceeded to the palace, which constitutes the next stop of his visit, where he is expected to deliver his official address.
The welcome ceremony for Pope Leo XIV at the Royal Palace of Madrid with the King and Queen of Spain pic.twitter.com/5btMchR0cq
— Courtney Mares (@catholicourtney) June 6, 2026
The Pope’s reception was conducted with full ceremony. The ceremony included honorary cannon fire, military parades, as well as bands playing the national anthems of both countries.
Spain’s King and Queen give Pope Leo a state welcome at the Royal Palace in Madrid pic.twitter.com/jy4zjJB0EA
— Gerard O’Connell (@gerryorome) June 6, 2026
Meanwhile, all of Madrid has been decorated with flags for this historic event. Thousands of faithful and citizens flooded the streets around the palace, forming a warm human chain along the route of the papal procession, hoping to see the Pontiff up close.
A first for Felipe and Letizia
This is the first time during their reign that Felipe VI and Letizia have welcomed a Pope to Spain. This meeting takes on special significance when considering the country’s past, as former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia had previously welcomed Pope John Paul II five times and Benedict XVI three times.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia received a pope for the first time in their reign.
Previously, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía received Saint John Paul II five times and Benedict XVI three times. Welcome to Madrid, Pope Leo! This is a historic moment for Spain and the… pic.twitter.com/QkPHrSJcKD— EWTN News (@EWTNews) June 6, 2026
King Felipe and Queen Letizia greet Pope Leo XIV as he arrives in Spain for a week-long visit. pic.twitter.com/yR9PDP96oD
— Majesty Magazine (& Joe Little) (@MajestyMagazine) June 6, 2026
During his 7-day tour of Spain, Pope Leo XIV is expected to focus his meetings on major social issues, primarily immigration, expressing hope that this journey will serve as a “good example” for the international community.
“We can send a very good message (…) of philanthropy and respect for every human being,” the Pontiff characteristically stated to journalists during his flight to Madrid.
Pope Leo XIV: “The world cries for peace” – Fresh criticism of Trump over Iran
Pope Leo XIV said today that the world cries “from the depths of its soul” for peace in an impressive speech with which he began his week-long visit to Spain and the Canary Islands.
Pope Leo, who has provoked the anger of US President Donald Trump after criticizing the war in Iran, stated that his message for peace is welcome from people who have not been “isolated” by their ideology.
