Pope Leo used his Canary Islands visit to defend migrants, condemn traffickers and press Europe to protect people risking deadly Atlantic crossings. The islands received a record 46,843 migrants in 2024, while thousands died trying to reach Spain.
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Pope Leo appealed for humane treatment of migrants during a visit to the Canary Islands, warning that dignity “has no passport.” The trip comes as Spain expands legal status for many undocumented migrants while a new EU pact tightens border and deportation rules.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for vast crowds in Madrid and led a Corpus Domini procession over floral carpets made from more than 30,000 flowers. He called Spain’s devotional traditions a “school of faith” and urged unity during his first visit to the country.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day ceremony in Normandy to criticize European migration policy, describing arrivals by boat as an “invasion.” His remarks followed similar criticism from Trump administration officials and drew on warnings in the administration’s security strategy.
Pope Leo XIV began a weeklong visit to Spain by urging people to reject polarisation and defend peace. The trip includes a youth rally in Madrid, an address to parliament, a visit to the Sagrada Familia and a stop in the Canary Islands focused on migration.
French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into suspected torture and war crimes after activists accused Israeli authorities of abusing Gaza flotilla detainees. Israel denies the allegations, while several allied governments have condemned the treatment of their nationals.
A United Airlines flight from Newark to Spain returned mid-flight after a Bluetooth device named "BOMB" triggered a security alert. Passengers were evacuated and re-screened before continuing the journey hours later.