Pope Leo XIV renews his appreciation for the people of Spain, especially King Felipe VI, and their welcome and enthusiasm during his Apostolic Journey.
By Devin Watkins
Just two days after returning to Rome, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to God for welcome he received from the people of Spain for his Apostolic Journey on June 6-12.
“I thank the Spanish people, who welcomed me with great enthusiasm and devotion,” he said at the Angelus on Sunday.
The Pope especially thanked King Felipe VI, who welcomed the Pope to Madrid and bid him farewell on his last day in the Canary Islands.
After a mechanical issue with the papal plane, the King offered Pope Leo the use of his private plane, which brought the Pope back to Rome on Friday evening.
He also expressed appreciation for the many people who prepared his visit and for the Bishops of Spain, who guided the faithful to welcome the Holy Father.
“I am especially grateful to His Majesty the King,” said Pope Leo. “I affectionately thank the Bishops, all the communities I visited, and the entire Church in Spain. May God always bless Spain!”
