Pope urges action on ‘tragic drama’ of migration

MADRID: Pope Leo XIV urged a coordinated international response to migration on Monday, describing the issue as a serious moral challenge, while also telling Spanish lawmakers that peace should remain a global priority.

In an unprecedented address to the Spanish parliament, the pope called for safe and legal routes for immigration and said migrants should receive respectful treatment and genuine chances to integrate into society. Speaking to legislators, he said the issue of migration was testing both national consciences and the ethical basis of the international order.

The pontiff said, "The tragic drama of migration.. challenges the conscience of nations and the ethical foundation of the international order today,"

Pope Leo also appealed for the protection of life from conception until natural death. The remarks came in Spain, where the left-wing government has legalised euthanasia under strict conditions and is seeking to include abortion rights in the constitution.

Later on Monday, the pope was reportedly due to hold a private meeting with victims of clergy sexual abuse. He has previously described the abuse crisis as an open wound for the Church.

Spain, under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has maintained a comparatively liberal immigration approach when measured against many of its European partners. However, the government faces political pressure on the issue from the conservative Popular Party as well as the far-right Vox party, which has become the country’s third-largest political force.

The pope’s seven-day visit to Spain is also set to include a trip to the Canary Islands, where he will pay tribute to migrants who died at sea while attempting dangerous crossings from Africa. The archipelago has become one of the main gateways for irregular migration into Europe.

Alongside his comments on migration, Pope Leo called for dialogue over confrontation and warned against relying on rearmament in Europe and elsewhere. The pope has faced strong criticism from US President Donald Trump over his anti-war positions.

He said, "Weapons may impose a temporary silence but they can never build a genuine and lasting peace,"