Pope León XIV strengthens ties with Canary Islands Church during Las Palmas cathedral visit

Pope León XIV visited the Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, meeting with Bishop José Mazuelos, members of the diocesan clergy, religious life and pastoral agents of the Canary Islands diocese. The pontiff emphasized his shared faith, saying, “Con ustedes soy cristiano y para ustedes, obispo.”

In his address, the bishop highlighted the archipelago’s position as “a crossroads of roads between Europe, Africa and America” and outlined challenges such as secularisation, tourism‑driven consumption, precarious employment, housing shortages and the “migration drama that especially touches our coasts.” The pope’s remarks also referenced the deep connection of islanders to the sea. The ceremony included traditional rites, the presentation of historic gifts, and a communal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

The visit forms part of the Pope’s broader pastoral tour of Spain and underscores the Catholic Church’s effort to reaffirm its presence in the Atlantic and border regions of the archipelago.