Pope Leo has urged global leaders to avoid dividing their electorates and instead listen to the world's cries for peace in a forceful speech opening a week-long tour of Spain.
During his visit, Leo will meet homeless people in Madrid and migrants in the Canary Islands, highlighting the need for respecting human dignity and overcoming polarization.
He attributed the rise in polarization to the magnification of prejudices by technology and the weakening of critical thinking, and drew on Spain's history as an example of peaceful co-habitation between religions and cultures.
Crowds are expected to gather in large numbers for the pope's speeches and meetings, including a historic address to the Spanish parliament.
Leo's visit comes as Spain's government has opened a mass amnesty programme for immigrants, a move that contrasts with the policies of many leading Western powers.
