One of the most important moments of any apostolic trip is the pope’s speech to civil authorities and the diplomatic corps. It is where the Holy See outlines its priorities and positions on key issues.
Pope Leo XIV set out the objectives for his visit at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish monarchy. Earlier, he met privately with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as their daughters, the Infantas. In his speech, he highlighted the growing divisions in society:
POPE LEO XIV
Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarization seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated. This is why we need culture, interiority, and free quality education; we need transcendence.
The pope also challenged political leaders and public officials who contribute to those divisions, reminding them of the influence they have on society.
POPE LEO XIV
This is why, even in public life, we need men and women who can perceive light in the darkness: a new beginning, like the dawn of a truth that as yet blinds us, but which — if we trust and find peace — will gently lead us toward itself.
Finally, the pope used the occasion to highlight the importance of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence, the central theme of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.
POPE LEO XIV
New technologies have created an artificial environment where our fundamental choices are put to the test, prejudices are magnified, critical thinking is weakened and dominating interests spread death wishes. Nevertheless, goodness can prevail and spread.
And with reference to some of Spain’s most influential saints — including John of the Cross, Teresa of Ávila, and Ignatius of Loyola — Pope Leo XIV kicked off his fourth apostolic journey with a message of peace and unity.
