MADRID — Pope Leo may not find it hard to connect with his hosts as he kicks off a weeklong visit to Spain this weekend.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Like Leo, Spain’s socialist government has been vocally critical of the Iran war, risking the ire of the Trump administration by refusing to provide military support.And also like the Chicago-born pontiff, Spain has been outspoken in opposing Israel’s war in Gaza.That may have been on Leo’s mind on Saturday during his address at Madrid’s Royal Palace, where, after being greeted by King Felipe VI, he expressed his gratitude for Spain’s faithful adherence to international law and active commitment to peace and solidarity among peoples.
Advocating for peace is important “in an age seemingly shaken by terrible imbalances and conflicts,” he said.Another not-so-hidden advantage is that Leo, who got his start as a missionary in Peru, speaks fluent Spanish.He was expected to put that skill to use later on Saturday at a rally in front of young people in the city’s Plaza de Lima.It was hoped that half a million young people would turn out for the event, though the pontiff acknowledged some surprising competition: Bad Bunny, who is also performing in the city.While unlikely to compete with the typically bombastic spectacle of the “Tití Me Preguntó” rapper’s live performance, Leo joked that at least a few would opt to see him instead.“If they are confronted with the question: do they want to see Bad Bunny or do they want to see the Pope, I think many will see Bad Bunny,” Leo told journalists on the plane.
“But I think there will also be a few here to see the Pope.And that says something, you know.”The rally marks a first test in a country where Catholicism, for centuries deeply ingrained in Spanish society, has dramatically dropped in recent decades.
Around 55% of Spaniards identify as Catholic today, according to demograp...