Pope Leo XIV has delivered a forceful defense of the dignity of every human life, declaring that its protection is “a goal of civilization”.

In a sweeping 30 minute address to the Spanish parliament, the first ever by a Pope, he touched upon some of the most debated issues in the country and still received a seven-minute standing ovation at the end of his remarks despite Spain having a left-wing Government which is extremely pro-choice. He also spoke up in favour of migrants and of international law and peace.

Calling life a fundamental value, he asked whether “a community that casts into the shadows the unborn child, the elderly, the sick, those who suffer in silence or those who depend entirely on the care of others be called fully just?”

“Every human life must be recognised and safeguarded from conception to its natural end, in every circumstance of its existence.”

Pope Leo addressed Parliament earlier this week, after holding a private meeting with Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, earlier that morning.

His appeal to respect the unborn comes as Spanish lawmakers led by Sanchez are currently pushing proposed legislation that would enshrine abortion as a constitutional right, much as France did in 2024.