Pope Leo XIV urged Spaniards on Saturday to stop "fanning the flames of polarization" as he arrived in Spain at a moment of political turmoil for the Socialist-led government and a credibility crisis for the Catholic Church.

Leo told Spanish bishops the entire church community should have an "ever more determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care."

Spain's lawmakers have given Pope Leo XIV a lengthy standing ovation after his historic address to parliament. This marks a new level of acceptance of the Catholic Church in largely secular Spain.