Leo called Gaudí's unfinished temple, one of the world's most visited monuments, a "sign of unity and harmony for all of Spain," an ongoing building project like the lifelong journey all Christians make to find God.

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.

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

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.