In speech to Spanish parliament, pope demands respect for the dignity of all people

Article excerpt

Pope Francis addressed Spain's parliament for the first time, calling for a "moral renewal" in legislatures and public life to safeguard respect for human dignity. The pontiff framed his remarks around the need for ethical governance, arguing that lawmakers bear responsibility for upholding the inherent worth of all people. His address touched on themes central to his papacy: social justice, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the intersection of faith and political leadership. The speech came as European nations grapple with polarization, migration, and economic inequality, issues the pope has repeatedly emphasized demand moral attention from those in power.