Pope Leo XIV arrived in Spain on Saturday for a seven-day visit centered on immigration, social justice, and the challenges facing the Catholic Church in modern Europe.

The visit began with an official welcome from King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the royal palace in Madrid. Later, the Pope is expected to lead a prayer vigil near Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather. A massive public Mass is scheduled for Sunday in Madrid, with organizers anticipating a crowd of around one million worshippers.

During his trip, Pope Leo XIV will address Spain’s parliament, bless the new tower of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and meet with victims of clergy sexual abuse. The visit also includes a stop in the Canary Islands, where he will meet migrants and humanitarian groups working with people attempting the dangerous journey from Africa to Europe.

The Pope is also expected to meet Pedro Sanchez at a time when Spain is experiencing intense political debate over immigration, corruption allegations, and national identity. Church officials say the visit aims to promote unity and compassion in what they describe as an increasingly polarized country.

The trip is Pope Leo XIV’s first visit to an EU nation outside Italy since becoming pontiff and the first papal state visit to Spain since the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.