Pope León XIV delivered a historic speech at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid on June 8, 2026 [1].

This visit marks a significant diplomatic and religious milestone, as it is the first time a pope has addressed the Spanish lower house of parliament [3].

Upon arrival at the Congress, the pontiff was greeted by a delegation of Spain's highest political and judicial authorities [1]. The greeting party included President of the Congress Francina Armengol, President of the Senate Pedro Rollán, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez [1]. Also present were President of the Constitutional Court Cándido Conde-Pumpido, and President of the General Council of the Judicial Power Isabel Perelló [1].

During his address, Pope León XIV called for a fundamental shift in how the state approaches its citizens. He urged the lawmakers to place human dignity at the center of both political and social life [2]. The pontiff specifically called for a break from what he described as a "culture of discard" — a term referring to the marginalization of the vulnerable.

"I ask the Congress to respect human dignity and move away from the culture of discard," the pope said [1].

The speech emphasized that the protection of individual dignity should be the primary lens through which legislation and social policy are viewed [2]. The event took place as part of a broader visit to Spain, which included activities at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium [1].

"Human dignity must be at the center of political and social life," the pope said [2].

Addressing the historical nature of the event, the pontiff noted the rarity of the occasion. "This is the first occasion in which a pope of Rome offers a speech before the Congress of Deputies," he said [3].

“"I ask the Congress to respect human dignity and move away from the culture of discard,"”

The Pope's address to the Spanish Parliament represents a rare intersection of ecclesiastical authority and secular governance. By framing his message around the "culture of discard," the pontiff is challenging the Spanish government to integrate humanitarian ethics into its legislative framework, signaling a push for policies that protect the marginalized over purely economic or bureaucratic efficiency.