Pope Leo Blasts Abortion: “Every Human Life Must be Safeguarded From Conception”

Pope Leo XIV used the first stop of his weeklong visit to Spain on Monday to deliver a firm defense of unborn life and condemnation of abortion.

The Pope told Spanish lawmakers that “every human life must be recognized and safeguarded from conception to its natural end, in every circumstance of its existence.”

Speaking in Spain’s Parliament, the Pope placed the protection of the unborn at the center of a broader appeal for human dignity.

SUPPORT LIFENEWS! If you want to help fight abortion, please donate to LifeNews.com!

He asked lawmakers: “Can 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?”

He added that through this principle “the moral greatness of a nation is manifested.”

The address marked the first time a pope has spoken directly to Spain’s parliamentarians.

Pope Leo described his message as “a calm and firm word” for the respect of human life, from the unborn to migrants and the elderly. He rejected the idea that defending life is merely a religious concern, declaring: “Defense of human life is not a particular or religious interest, it is a goal of civilization.”

The remarks come as Spain, a historically Catholic nation where about 55 percent of people still identify as Catholic, is considering following France’s example by making a constitutional amendment to protect abortion. The country also legalized euthanasia and medically assisted dying in 2021.

Leo framed abortion as part of a wider “throwaway culture” that threatens human existence. He tied the issue to migration and peace, presenting all three as questions of human dignity.

The speech drew a seven-minute standing ovation.

While the government and the church find common ground on migration and opposition to war, they remain sharply divided on life issues such as abortion and euthanasia.

Pope Leo’s visit continues through June 12, with stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands.