Pope in Spain: 'I come to affirm and renew fidelity to the Gospel'
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"I come among you to affirm, encourage and instill a renewed fidelity to the Gospel among believers, as well as a deeper reconciliation and collaboration among the various elements of this nation."
Pope Leo XIV expressed this when addressing authorities and the diplomatic corps on Saturday at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, where he is making a week-long Apostolic Journey to the European nation.
A great country that has welcomed the Gospel for nearly two millennia
In his address, the Pope thanked Spain "for its faithful adherence to international law and multilateralism," which he said "is reflected in an active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples.
"At the same time," the Holy Father also encouraged the nation "to cultivate dialogue and civic friendship within your own country, to take into account the perspectives of the poor and the young when envisioning the future, to harmonize the claims for autonomy and unity, and to advance the cause of unity in Europe — not in opposition to other powers, but as a gift to the entire human family."
The Pope expressed his gratitude to Spain for inviting him and for being present among them for this Journey to "a great country that, for nearly two millennia, has welcomed the Gospel. Tradition has always linked the initial evangelization of the Iberian Peninsula to the preaching of the Apostle James the Greater."
Popular piety brings people of Spain in contact with Jesus
The Pope said that this connection is of considerable theological importance, for it expresses the local Church’s awareness of its continuity with the apostolic mission that began at Pentecost.
He also noted that the ancient bond between the Christian faith and this land has profoundly shaped their culture and represents a source of hope and direction amid the challenges we must face together as a human family today.
"I think of the expressions of popular piety that stand as an authentic dramatization of salvation in every city and town, in step with the rhythm of the year and life’s various contexts."
Along with the artistic and musical heritage, as well as the many confraternities and charitable associations, Pope Leo said they "bear witness to the fruitful encounter between Jesus Christ and your people, a passionate people who love life and express it!"
The Pope said he has come to encourage this faith among believers.
Must protect religious freedom and conscience
The Holy Father also noted he wishes to call the nation to a "deeper reconciliation and collaboration" among Spain's various elements, noting Spain's history suggests "that a culture of encounter, not confrontation, is what fosters stability and prosperity."
In this respect, the Pope recalled St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, whose passion for the divine Mystery brought them together as friends. He recalled that the two prominent figures from Spain enriched the life of the Church and the spiritual journey of many for five centuries, even beyond the borders of Spain. The Pope also reflected on St. Ignatius of Loyola.
As the Pope reflected on the saints, Pope Leo observed, "Our age, seemingly shaken by terrible imbalances and conflicts, cries out from its depths for peace, for a new understanding of the human person and its inviolable dignity, for a civilization of love."
"Saint Teresa describes this same process using the image of the interior castle. As one moves from room to room toward the innermost chamber — that is, toward one’s own heart, the sanctuary of truth — the space enlarges, the mind opens, challenges are overcome, tensions dissipate, others find their place, and the universe becomes a home. This is not an escape into the self, but a radical openness to the Totus Alius et Semper Novus achieved when we return to ourselves."
"This dimension of the human person," Pope Leo said, "is the reason why religious freedom and freedom of conscience must be protected."
Need to confront growing polarization
Today, Pope Leo lamented, 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. And yet, even in these dark nights, men and women who are faithful to the truth have been driven to advance from one room to another until justice and peace embrace in their conscience. It is through their freedom," he said, "that we learn to be free."
Pope Leo told those before him that the Catholic Church is at the service of the thirst of the human heart.
"It is a service not marked by imposition," he said, "but rather the Gospel witness attested to by a multitude of martyrs and saints. Today the Church is ready to place herself at the service of the future of a people in search of reconciliation and peace."
For the love of truth, Pope Leo said, he invites everyone "to set aside the divisive and polarizing narratives of your societal reality and history, so as to overcome sterile simplifications through the fruitful appreciation of complexity." Here, he said he sees a vocation particularly suited to Europe, "in which Spain plays a unique and fundamental role."
Qualitative leap forward required
He called on the nation to appreciate and study complexity, learning not to deny it but to embrace it as a blessing.
The Pope went on to observe that 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," but said that nevertheless, "goodness can prevail and spread."
"It is essential, particularly on the part of those with economic, political and institutional responsibilities," he insisted, "to make a qualitative leap forward — a change of direction in investment in schools, universities and research, as well as in local communities and civil society as a nurturing ground for participation and cultural mediation."
The Pope reflected on the need for Spain to contribute to peace and harmony.
"Security, which we all too often expect to find in weapons and walls," Pope Leo argued, "is in fact best achieved by learning to move forward alongside one another, growing together, side by side."
Grateful for commitment to peace, multilateralism, and international law
"Your own history," he said, "bears witness to this."
As the Holy Father acknowledged that the presence of Islam on the Iberian Peninsula has constituted "a long-standing political, cultural, and religious reality," he encouraged the country to move forward in peaceful coexistence and dialogue among religions.
The Holy Father went on to thank Spain for its commitment to peace, multilateralism, and international law, and encouraged the nation to promote peace and harmony within and beyond their country.
"God bless Spain!" Pope Leo said.
