Spanish PM Sánchez to Meet Pope Leo XIV in Vatican Ahead of Pontiff's Spain Visit

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 27, 2026. This audience marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the beginning of Robert Prevost's pontificate under the name Leo XIV. The meeting serves as a preparatory step before the Pope's historic visit to Spain from June 6 to 12, which will be the first papal visit to the country in nearly 15 years. During his trip, the Pope plans to visit Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, with a notable scheduled appearance at the Spanish Congress. The agenda focuses on strengthening dialogue regarding human rights, migration crises, climate change, and global peace. Sánchez had previously invited the Pope to address the migration situation in the Canary Islands, a plan initially discussed with predecessor Pope Francis. The Spanish government emphasizes strong diplomatic ties with the Holy See, highlighting shared values in defending human dignity and resolving international conflicts. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between Spain and the Vatican on social and geopolitical issues.