This spring, Spain briefly became the center of global attention due to its disagreement with US President Donald Trump's plans for Iran. Now, Pope Leo is visiting, bringing the country back into the spotlight with a message of moral authority.

Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, has been met with large crowds in Madrid since his arrival on the Iberian Peninsula. His visit could change the dynamics of Spanish politics and influence the debate on migration in Europe.

In a country with strong divisions, the Pope focuses on finding common ground, urging young Spaniards not to see the world in terms of opposing groups.

For Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the papal visit offers another chance for his country to be in the global spotlight, an opportunity he has welcomed with enthusiasm.

On Monday, Pope Leo became the first Pope to speak before the Spanish Parliament, receiving a long standing ovation. He warned that ignoring human rights has created a global crisis.

A day earlier, over 1.2 million people attended Sunday Mass in Madrid, where the Pope preached against political division, urging leaders to work together.

The Pope repeated this message on social media, saying, 'We know that ideologies come and go, but truth remains.'

While papal visits are meant to be non-political, Prime Minister Sánchez has used the moment to say his government's policies align with the Pope's views.

Before his speech to Parliament, Sánchez met with the Pope and said they share a commitment to defending the value of migration and human rights.

Spanish political observers say the visit comes at a good time for the prime minister.

It's hard to imagine a papal visit not giving the host a political boost, according to Grégoire Roos, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia programs at Chatham House.

This is why Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, did not visit many countries, including his native Argentina, to avoid being used politically.

Prime Minister Sánchez, 54, has been in office for eight years and has made a comeback in politics an art form, with his government seen as one of the most left-leaning in Europe.

Despite electoral losses and corruption allegations, including his wife being charged, Sánchez has managed to survive.

Sánchez is like the phoenix, because he keeps standing up, and while many things have happened, nothing tears him down, said Sonia Andolz Rodríguez, a professor of international politics.

However, Sánchez's current political challenges are significant.

His party has been affected by corruption allegations, causing right-wing parties to gain popularity, with the next general election set for 2027 or possibly sooner.

Internationally, Sánchez damaged Spain's relationship with US President Donald Trump by blocking the use of airbases for strikes on Iran and closing Spanish airspace to US aircraft.

Trump threatened to cut economic ties with Spain, but domestically, the move seemed to be a political win for Sánchez.

When Trump frequently mentioned Spain, people here were surprised and somewhat proud to be in the news.

Trump threatened to cut trade ties with Spain.

We took it with humor, but also with a kind of pride.

Spain's government has also faced isolation in Europe due to its condemnations of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Sánchez's policy on migrants may be his government's most notable achievement.

Unlike other European nations, Spain is moving to open its borders to migrants.

The government has approved legislation to give legal status to over 500,000 undocumented migrants, arguing that Spain's aging population needs them.

In his speech to Parliament, Pope Leo said the issue of migration is a challenge to the world's moral foundations, urging nations to provide safe and legal pathways for migrants.

In practice, Sánchez's policy of regularizing migrants is less controversial than expected.

Many businesspeople know they are hiring people without legal status, so it was a pragmatic decision, said Andolz Rodríguez.

Pope Leo's visit will include other significant political moments, such as meeting migrants at a detention center in the Canary Islands.

Migrant advocates say up to 15,000 people have died trying to reach the EU's southernmost point since 2024.