Feb 26 • 11:31 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Pope Leo XIV will be the first pontiff to visit Congress during his trip to Spain

Pope Leo XIV is set to make history as he becomes the first pope to visit the Congress of Deputies in Spain on June 8 as part of his official visit from June 6 to 12.

Pope Leo XIV will make an unprecedented visit to the Congress of Deputies in Spain on June 8, during his official trip from June 6 to 12. This visit will mark the first time a sitting pope has attended the country's lower house of Parliament. The idea for this significant visit originated from the Vatican, which has requested a solemn session in the Congress during Pope Leo’s stay, signifying the importance of this occasion. The details of the agenda are still being finalized, with confirmations coming from Congress sources regarding the arrangement for a joint session, which is traditionally organized when international heads of state visit Spanish parliamentary institutions.

It has been 15 years since a pope last visited Spain, and this upcoming trip is anticipated to attract considerable attention due to its historical implications. The Vatican's initiative to secure a session at Congress reflects a growing emphasis on the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Spanish state, as well as the significance of the pope's presence in terms of cultural and political dialogue. The speech that Pope Leo XIV is expected to deliver could focus on various themes relevant to both the Church and contemporary Spanish society, further illustrating the connection between religious authority and state matters.

As preparations unfold for what will be a memorable event in Spain’s political and cultural landscape, the visit of Pope Leo XIV raises dialogue about the role of the Church in modern governance. The visit could pave the way for future interactions between religious leadership and governmental structures, emphasizing a cooperative approach toward addressing shared societal challenges and reaffirming the pope’s influence as a prominent figure on international platforms.

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