Pope León XIV visits Canary Islands, urges dignity for migrants

On 12 June the Pope concluded a tour of Spain with a stop in the Canary Islands, where he held a Mass attended by more than 30,000 people in Gran Canaria’s stadium. He met with bishops, salesian representatives and migrants, stressing that “dignity has no passport” and calling for greater protection for those arriving by sea.

The visit highlighted the archipelago’s role as a gateway for African migrants crossing the Atlantic, a dangerous route that claims thousands of lives. Local clergy, including the only two sub‑Saharan priests serving the islands, have long supported migrants through parishes, charities and shelters, offering spiritual and material aid. Their work underscores the broader social challenges faced by migrants and the call for humane treatment.

The Pope’s message resonated with officials such as the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, and social organisations that host migrants, reinforcing a plea for solidarity and inclusion across Spain and Europe.