India, June 9 -- Pope Leo XIV called Monday for newfound respect for the rights of migrants and international law during an address to the Spanish parliament that signalled a new level of acceptance of the Catholic Church in the public sphere in the overwhelmingly secular country.

In the first papal address to the Spanish legislature, the American pope said a "moral renewal" was necessary in legislatures and public life to ensure respect for the inherent dignity of all people, including migrants, the unborn and the most vulnerable.

"The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to accompany, protect and love those lives that are most fragile," Leo said.

Speeches by popes to foreign legislatures are rare, sin...