French leader Leon XIV discusses immigration and the necessity of resolving conflicts with Pedro Sánchez in their initial conversation.
In a lively telephone chat on a windy Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delved into some hot topics, notably the migration crisis, the urgent need for constructing bridges to mend global disputes, and the preservation of human dignity. The Vatican chimed in, reporting the gist of their convivial conversation.
Sánchez, who's been buzzing about teaming up with the Vatican, eagerly extended another invitation for Leo XIV to trek on over to Spain, following a powwow they'd have about the International Conference on Financing for Development happening this month in sun-soaked Seville.
Leo XIV nimbly thanked Sánchez for the lavish scene-stealing performance King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia put on during his inaugural Mass on May 18.
The chat? It was all about the migration crunch, bridging divides to quell conflicts, and giving human dignity its rightful place. The juicy details? The Vatican provided a tantalizing taste, declaring the exchange's main course centered around migration and human dignity, a testament to the church's unwavering resolve to stand up for all individuals, regardless of their border-crossing status.
This tête-à-tête was the two strangers' first dance; Pope Leo XIV had only just been elected on May 8, following the untimely demise of his predecessor, Francisco.
Global Inequalities and Climate Change: Top of the Agenda
Sánchez had previously slated this rendezvous on his social media, underscoring the partnership between Spain and the Vatican to persist in collaborating and advocating for rights in the face of climate change and inequality.
"Our missions align: the pursuit of peace and the upholding of human dignity must serve as our guiding beacon," the go-getting Sánchez asserts.
The chat took place soon after the Spanish government decided to send a fancy missive to the Vatican, inviting Sánchez and extending a standing invite for Leo XIV to make a future pitstop in Spain.
Spain Holds Thumbs for Leo XIV's Sojourn
The Spanish government harbors high hopes that Leo XIV will cross that big pond for a visit to Spain someday, considering Francisco skipped town on that front.
Last October, Sánchez had extended an invitation to Pope Francis (now replaced by Leo XIV) to sail off to the Canary Islands, a widely-acknowledged entry point for European migrants, to get a feel for the vibes on the ground and join forces with locals in their solidarity with seekers of a new life. However, the stars simply didn't align for the meeting then.
Following Pope Leo XIV's election, Sánchez offered a hearty round of applause to the entire Catholic Church, expressing his optimism that the new pontificate would work wonders for fostering dialogue and protecting human rights in a world screaming out for hope and solidarity.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed his desire to collaborate with the Vatican in addressing global inequalities and climate change, emphasizing the importance of advocating for rights in these challenging times. During their telephone conversation, the topics of migration and war-and-conflicts, particularly the need for constructing bridges to mend global disputes, were brought to the forefront, underscoring the church's commitment to upholding human dignity in the face of these issues.
In the fight against global injustices, the shared goals of the Vatican and Spain extend to politics, advocating for human rights, and striving for peace, as declared by Sánchez, who believes that their missions should be guided by the pursuit of peace and the upholding of human dignity.
