BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Meets with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain and Later the King was Invested with the Title of Protocanon
Vatican Welcomes Spanish Royalty: Apostolic Journey and Peace Efforts Take Center Stage
This morning, March 20, Pope Leo XIV held a formal audience with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain at the Apostolic Palace. The visit underscored the deep historical ties between the Holy See and Spain, set against the backdrop of an upcoming papal visit.
Diplomatic Dialogues
Following their meeting with the Holy Father, the royal couple held talks with the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher. Key highlights of the discussion included:
The Upcoming Apostolic Journey: Both parties emphasized the significance of the Pope’s impending trip to Spain.
National & Social Affairs: The dialogue touched upon Spain’s current domestic landscape and the Church’s ongoing role within Spanish society.
Global Stability: A major focus was placed on the "constant commitment to peace" and the reinforcement of values that sustain international cooperation.
A Historic Exchange of Gifts
In a gesture reflecting Spain's rich religious and artistic heritage, the King and Queen presented Pope Leo XIV with the Book of Hours of Philip II. This 16th-century masterpiece is the crown jewel of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial’s workshop. In return, the Secretary of State received a scholarly volume titled Sacred Spain: Art and Belief in the Spanish World.
Honor at Santa Maria Maggiore
The royal visit concluded with a ceremony at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There, King Felipe VI was formally invested with the title of Protocanon of the Chapter of the Liberian Basilica, a traditional honor highlighting the long-standing bond between the Spanish monarchy and this historic Roman site.
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