The President of the Government of Spain meets Pope Leo XIV

Apostolic Nunciature, Madrid

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid, as a preliminary event to the Pope's visit to the Lower House of Parliament to deliver a speech in a joint session of the General Courts.

The head of the Executive was also received by the Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See, Pietro Parolin, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Spain, Piero Pioppo. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, also took part in the meeting.

The President of the Government of Spain presented Leon XIV with a 13-year-old Spanish olive bonsai tree. It is a species that has been rooted for centuries in the history, culture and economy of Spain and represents the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, between respect for historical roots and the adoption of cutting-edge technology. The olive tree is a universal symbol of peace, dialogue and understanding, values shared by Spain and the Vatican.

After the visit to the Lower House of Parliament, the Pontiff's agenda in Madrid will include a prayer and homage to Our Lady of Almudena at the Cathedral, followed by a large gathering with the diocesan community at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Non official translation