Pope Leo XIV concluded his six-day Apostolic Journey to Spain on Friday with a message of gratitude, hope, and a powerful appeal for the world to turn its eyes toward Christ amid growing suffering and division.
Speaking at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife following the final Mass of his visit, the Holy Father reflected on a journey that brought him to Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat, and the Canary Islands, where he encountered thousands of faithful Catholics and witnessed vibrant expressions of faith.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo said he was returning to Rome “deeply moved by the great affection I have received,” expressing heartfelt thanks to the Spanish people, civil authorities, Church leaders, volunteers, and all who helped make the visit possible.
Throughout the pilgrimage, the Pope repeatedly emphasized the importance of Christian hope in a troubled world. As he prepared to depart Spain, he returned to the central theme that guided the journey: “Lift up your gaze.”
Standing in Santa Cruz de Tenerife—a city whose name means “Holy Cross”—the Pope directed his thoughts beyond Spain and toward the suffering experienced across the globe.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo spoke of “the whole world and its wounds, which cause entire populations to suffer,” before urging the faithful to look toward Christ for healing and redemption.
“Let us turn our eyes to Christ Crucified,” the Holy Father said, describing the Heart of Christ as “the source of mercy, which alone can save humanity.”
The Pope’s message comes at a time when wars, social unrest, poverty, and displacement continue to affect millions around the world. Rather than offering political solutions, Pope Leo pointed believers toward the mercy flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the true answer to humanity’s deepest needs.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father stressed that humanity needs “forgiveness and reconciliation” if it hopes to achieve “true and lasting peace.”
Pope Leo also entrusted all who suffer to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, encouraging Catholics to imitate her faith and trust in God.
“Let us lift up our eyes, as did Mary, the Mother of all who suffer,” he said.
The Pope’s final remarks highlighted what he described as Spain’s enduring Catholic identity. According to Vatican News, he expressed gratitude for the many “testimonies of faith and love for the Church” he encountered throughout the country, calling them a source of encouragement.
As his Apostolic Journey came to a close, Pope Leo invited Catholics in Spain and around the world to remain united in prayer and communion with Christ.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “Let us remain united in prayer and in communion in Christ and in the Holy Church.”
The Holy Father’s final appeal serves as a reminder that even amid uncertainty and suffering, Christians are called to raise their eyes beyond the troubles of this world and place their hope in Jesus Christ, whose mercy remains the source of peace, reconciliation, and salvation.
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