STORY: Pope Leo departed on Saturday (June 6) for a week-long visit to Spain, his first to an EU country outside Italy, where he will inaugurate a new tower in Barcelona's famed Sagrada Familia basilica and meet migrants who braved dangerous Atlantic waters to reach Europe.

The first American head of the Catholic Church is expected to draw large crowds on the June 6-12 trip, which also includes stops in Madrid, Montserrat Monastery and the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the west coast of Africa.

Leo, who angered U.S. President Donald Trump by criticizing his anti-immigration policies, will meet on the last stop with migrants and organizations dedicated to helping them.

Leo, who has adopted a more forceful tone against the direction of global leadership in recent months, is scheduled to give more than 20 speeches, becoming the first pope to address the Spanish parliament.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: FIUMICINO, ITALY (JUNE 6, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. POPE LEO GETTING OFF CAR AND SHAKING HANDS WITH OFFICIALS

2. POPE LEO SHAKING HANDS WITH OFFICIALS / TALKING WITH OFFICIALS

3. VATICAN AND ITALIAN FLAGS ON AIRCRAFT

4. POPE WAVING AND EMBARKING AIRCRAFT

5. PILOT CABIN / POPE ENTERING PILOT CABIN AS SEEN THROUGH WINDOW

6. AIRCRAFT TAXIING ON TARMAC

7. COMMERCIAL PLANES PARKED ON TARMAC

8. VARIOUS OF AIRCRAFT CARRYING POPE LEO TAKING OFF AND FLYING AWAY