Pope Leo XIV fulfills the dream of his predecessor Francis: he embraces in the Canary Islands the migrant survivors of one of the most dangerous routes in the world

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain is coming to an end. After his stop this Wednesday in Barcelona, where he once again insisted on defending the dignity of migrants, the pontiff arrives this Thursday in the Canary Islands to star in one of the most symbolic and prominent events of his entire visit to the country.

Robert Prevost will disembark at the Arguineguín pier, in Gran Canaria, to fulfill the promise that his predecessor, Francis, made to the archipelago after being deeply impacted by the humanitarian tragedy of the Canary Route. This is a historic visit, as never before has a pope set foot in the Canary Islands. There he will pay tribute to those who lost their lives trying to reach the islands and will learn firsthand testimonies from survivors and professionals involved in maritime rescues.

The pontiff has chosen Arguineguín as the setting for this event due to its strong symbolic charge. For years, the port was one of the main arrival points for migrant boats and also the place that became known as “the pier of shame” during the 2020 migration crisis. Leo XIV will be accompanied by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and by the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo.

The pope's agenda will continue this Friday in Tenerife, where he will visit the Las Raíces reception center to hear the experiences of resident migrants and representatives from El Hierro. In addition, he will preside over two massive masses: one this Thursday at the Gran Canaria Stadium and another on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, events that will mobilize thousands of people and have even forced the suspension of classes to reduce traffic and mobility problems.