Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJoshua McElweeMonday 08 June 2026 15:29 BSTLeo's speech, which was delivered in Spanish and was received with a seven-minute standing ovation by lawmakers, was a rare papal address (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Pope Leo received a seven-minute standing ovation after declaring that the world is in a profound spiritual and cultural crisis during a rare address to Spain's parliament, the first by a pope."The world is undergoing a profound spiritual and cultural crisis, which is manifested in multiple forms of violence, polarization, and mutual distrust," the pope stated. "Weapons can impose a temporary silence. But they can never build an authentic and lasting peace."The pontiff firmly opposed increased European military spending, urging politicians to prioritize ending ongoing wars and assisting migrants, with his remarks coming shortly after renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran.Leo highlighted that the global lack of support for migrants challenges the ethical foundation of the international order, calling for solutions that address the root causes of displacement, such as war, poverty, and climate change, noting over 3,000 migrant deaths en route to the Canary Islands in 2025.His remarks are part of a week-long visit to the country in which the pontiff has met with migrants and the homeless, and called on national leaders to stop dividing their electorates.In fullPope Leo gets 7-minute standing ovation after rare address to parliamentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in