Pope Leo XIV stopped to speak with journalists outside his Castel Gandolfo residence on Tuesday evening, June 16, turning an impromptu roadside exchange into a wide-ranging press encounter that touched on the Iran-US ceasefire, migration policy, his recent trip to Spain, and the Society of Saint Pius X’s planned episcopal consecrations on July 1.
The informal gathering came after a scheduled press conference aboard the papal return flight from Tenerife had to be cancelled when a technical failure forced Leo to switch aircraft. Spanish-outlet journalists, who had waited longest for answers, were addressed first.
Spain: “It was marvelous”
Reflecting on his seven-day visit to Spain (June 6–12), the Pope highlighted “the enthusiastic response of so many people in all the places,” praising the organizational work of bishops, laypeople, and volunteers. “Every moment was well prepared,” he said in Spanish. “It was marvelous.”
On Spanish domestic politics — a notably tense landscape at present — Leo XIV was careful. “I do not want to interfere in Spanish politics, just as I do not in other countries,” he said, responding to a question about his much-noted address to the Spanish parliament and the 7-minute standing ovation he got there. He did, however, call for dialogue and warned against the habit of “always criticizing and insulting one’s opposition without reaching agreements for the common good.”
Iran: “Thank God, at least this memorandum”
Welcoming the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, due for formal signature on Friday, the Pope said he was grateful that dialogue had prevailed. “There will still be several points to be established,” he acknowledged, “but it is always better to do so through negotiation rather than returning to war.”
Leo XIV expressed hope that the agreement would mark a genuine end to hostilities and called for the elimination of nuclear weapons, as well as a concerted effort to address the economic and social damage wrought by the conflict.
The SSPX: “Division is always a painful point”
Asked about the Society of Saint Pius X, which has announced it will proceed with four episcopal consecrations on July 1 without a papal mandate — a move the Holy See has confirmed is a schismatic act — the Pope revealed that he is still weighing whether to issue a further appeal. “We are still considering making another appeal, to say: ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live in communion in the Church.’”
He acknowledged the gravity of the situation plainly. “Division among Christians is always a painful point,” he said. But he was equally direct about the Society’s position: “They refuse to accept certain fundamental elements of the Church, starting with various points of the Second Vatican Council.” The consecrations, if carried out, would follow a February meeting between SSPX Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, after which Pagliarani confirmed the Society’s intention to proceed.
“If they make that choice, I am sorry,” Leo said. “But we must move forward.”
Migration: “Not the most Christian response”
Returning to a theme he raised repeatedly during his Canary Islands stops in Spain, the Pope pushed back firmly against the concept of “remigration” — a term promoted by certain European far-right movements. “Many times we do not recognize the reasons why these people had to leave their countries,” he said. “Violence, war, conflicts.” Simply expelling migrants to “wash our hands of the problem,” he added, “does not seem to me the most Christian response.”
Holidays—and a possible Latin America trip
Asked about his summer plans, Leo XIV was characteristically modest. His program, he said, would include “a little rest, a lot of reading, reflection, preparation for what comes next” — and, he added, “work.” When pressed on whether he would actually rest, his reply was brief: “Let’s hope so.”
Prayer and generosity
"As the summer holidays begin for many, may this time be an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord through moments of prayer and to support one another through generous acts of charity."
On future travels, the Pope smiled at the mention of Mexico (the anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions is in 2031) and Peru, where he served as a missionary for over 20 years: “We’ll see.”
He is due to receive outgoing Peruvian President José María Balcázar Zelada on Thursday, June 18, who may present a formal invitation. According to I.MEDIA, a Latin American trip is currently in planning for November.
