King Felipe and Queen Letizia welcome Pope Leo to Spain

King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed Pope Leo XIV on Saturday as he arrived in Spain for a seven-day trip.

A reception of pomp and ceremony was scheduled at Madrid's royal palace before a prayer vigil near Real Madrid's Santiago.

His arrival in Madrid coincides with a series of concerts by Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny, with some observers pointing to youth being torn between spirituality and music.

"I think many will see Bad Bunny. But I think there will also be a few here to see the pope. And that says something," Leo said of the conflicting loyalties.

During his trip, Leo will make a speech to the Spanish parliament and bless the new tower of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona – now the world's tallest church.

In the Canary Islands on Thursday and Friday, Leo will meet migrants and the organisations helping them and will be joined by Sanchez to honour thousands of migrants who have died trying to reach Europe.