Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech on Saturday calling on people to resist the temptation to seek popularity through divisive rhetoric.
“I invite everyone to set aside divisive and polarizing narratives about your social and historical reality, to overcome useless simplifications with an effective appreciation of complexity,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the Americas to lead the Catholic Church, blamed technology for this polarization, arguing that it exaggerates prejudice and weakens critical thinking.
His remarks come as Spain grapples with controversies over immigration and political corruption.
Pope Leo XIV held up Spain’s past as an example of peaceful coexistence among religions and cultures, stressing that the country’s history “suggests that a culture of encounter, not confrontation, is what drives stability and prosperity.”
“In fact, the message of peace, which today unfortunately some consider naive and others confrontational, is welcomed by those who do not lock themselves into predetermined ideologies but are willing to embrace the truth,” he said.
The pope’s visit to Spain has been met with excitement. Billboards, posters and metro cars are plastered with his image. Crowds lined the streets of central Madrid.
The visit coincides with two concerts by Puerto Rican pop superstar Bad Bunny this weekend.
Pope Leo XIV remarked, “If they are faced with the question ‘Do you want to go see Bad Bunny or do you want to go meet the pope?,’ I think many would choose Bad Bunny. But I think there will also be a few people here to meet the pope. And that says something, you know.”
Pope Leo XIV has spoken out on current world issues, including immigration, artificial intelligence and the US-Israel war against Iran. He has had public disagreements with US President Donald Trump.
