Pope Leo XIV drew an estimated 1.2 million people to Madrid on Saturday during his first papal visit to Spain in 15 years, delivering remarks that touched on poverty, geopolitical conflict, and social division. The gathering marked one of the largest public events in Spain in recent memory and came amid heightened global tensions over a potential military confrontation with Iran.

Speaking to the massive crowd, the pope declared that God stands with the poor and called on political and religious communities to resist deepening societal fractures. He warned explicitly against fanning the flames of polarization, a message directed broadly at both religious faithful and secular leaders navigating increasingly divided societies.

Ahead of the Madrid appearance, Pope Leo also drew attention for his remarks on Iran, stating that a war with Iran would not constitute a just war under Catholic moral teaching. The statement carries significant weight given ongoing international debates over military options in response to Iran's nuclear program.

The pope also showed a lighter side during his visit, joking with young Spaniards that they might prefer pop star Bad Bunny over a papal audience. He separately expressed support for the United States men's national soccer team ahead of the upcoming World Cup, comments that generated broad media interest across outlets covering the trip.

The visit underscored Leo XIV's emerging profile as a pope willing to engage political and cultural topics directly, from global conflict to popular culture. His stops in Spain are expected to continue through the weekend, with additional public events planned.