00:00Pope Leo XIV has praised Spain for its stance on Gaza, Iran and Ukraine
00:05and for welcoming migrants at the start of a week-long state visit
00:08that marks the first papal trip to the country in 15 years.
00:12Speaking at a reception at Madrid's Royal Palace,
00:15the Pope expressed his gratitude for the country's faithful adherence
00:19to international law and multilateralism,
00:21which he said is reflected in an active commitment to peace.
00:25The visit comes at a time of political polarization for the country
00:28with the ruling Socialist Party facing criticism
00:31over immigration policies and internal corruption scandals.
00:35The trip is also taking place under the shadow of the clergy sexual abuse crisis
00:40and the Vatican confirmed that the Pope will meet with survivors
00:43as the Spanish Church reconsiders decades of abuse and cover-ups.
00:48Leo XIV has already met with the Spanish royals
00:51and later he will deliver a historic address
00:53to both chambers of the Parliament on June 8th, a first for any Pope.
00:58The pontiff will then travel to Barcelona to celebrate Mass
01:02at Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia,
01:06where he will inaugurate the central spire
01:08that makes it the world's tallest church
01:10and is on track to be officially completed this year.
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