the Pope in Spain: 'Europe a gift against polarisation, in Iran an unjust war'. And on Ukraine: "Push for negotiations"

Leo XIV set foot on Spanish soil at 10.33 a.m., where the Spanish sovereigns, King Felipe and Letizia were waiting for him at the foot of the steps. The Queen attracted attention by wearing a white dress, a sign of the so-called 'privliège du blanc', a prerogative granted to a very limited number of Catholic sovereigns and consorts that allows them to wear white in official meetings with the pontiff. Also awaiting the Pope was the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, and several ministers of the progressive coalition government. Afterwards, the Pontiff entered the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace of Madrid, escorted by the Guardia Real. After the welcoming ceremony and the playing of the national anthems of Spain and the Vatican City State, he met Felipe, Letizia and their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Afterwards, he is scheduled to meet with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Royal Palace and the Pontiff will deliver what will be his first speech in Spain. In the afternoon, Prevost will visit the Cedia 24 Horas centre, run by the Caritas diocese of Madrid, which provides integrated assistance to homeless and marginalised people. The centre is located in the working-class neighbourhood of Lucero. A musical performance by Niña Pastor is also planned The first day of the Pope's trip will end with a prayer vigil with young people in Plaza de Lima. The large gathering will combine music, testimonies and prayer. The event will culminate with Prevost's arrival, Eucharistic Adoration and his address to young people.

The next day, 7 June, the Pope will hold mass in Plaza de Cibeles, and then meet privately with members of the Augustinian order. He will then move to the Movistar Arena for the event 'Weaving networks with the world of culture, art, business and sport'. On Monday 8 June, Leo will meet with Sánchez and members of the Spanish Parliament. Then, in the seat of the Episcopal Conference, it will be the turn of the Spanish bishops and there will be a homage to the Virgin of Almudena, patron saint of Madrid. In the evening, a meeting with the diocesan community will be held in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The last appointment before leaving Madrid is the Pope's greeting to the volunteers. On 9 June, in the afternoon, Leo will land in Barcelona: the visit will begin with the prayer of the middle hour in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, before the evening speech in the prayer vigil at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. On 10 June, the Pontiff will visit the Brians penitentiary centre and recite a prayer of the Rosary in the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat. In Barcelona, he will also meet the charitable and assistance realities in the Church of San Agustí.

A much-awaited moment, the inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ and the celebration of mass in the Sagrada Familia, on the day of the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. From Catalonia, the Pope will fly to the Canary Islands. The destination was chosen because it is at the forefront of managing the flow of migrants arriving in Europe. The first engagement in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will be a meeting with the realities that deal with migrations in the port of Arguineguín. There will also be a mass in the city's stadium. In recent days it has been reported that the city council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria approved the handing over of the keys of the city to the Pope. On 12 June, the Pope will reach Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Migrants will again be the focus of the stopover: Leo will meet the guests of the Las Raices temporary reception centre. Then mass at the port and the return flight to Rome.

Before his departure, the Pope sent a telegram to the Italian Head of State, Sergio Mattarella: "At the moment when I begin the Apostolic Journey to Spain, under the maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary who welcomes us and directs us towards God, source of unity and hope for all peoples, I am pleased to address my cordial greetings to you, Mr President, which I accompany with fervent prayers for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian nation". A message to which Mr Matterrella responded by recalling that 'Spain, like Italia and the whole of Europe, faces great challenges today. On the one hand, the call for the preservation of the significant spiritual, historical and cultural heritage remains strong and widely shared, which will be highlighted, among other things, during your trip, in the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudì. On the other hand, there is the need to continue to ensure conditions of stability, security and progress, in the face of growing difficulties and tumultuous technological, social and economic changes. Your attention to young people and to the most vulnerable, such as the needy, migrants and prisoners, will make it possible to reaffirm the importance of inclusion, to ensure that human dignity is protected and that the entire Mediterranean region is restored to its vocation as a place of dialogue, exchange and solidarity'.