Pope Leone XIV's Canary Islands visit highlights migration, delayed return to Rome

Pope Leone XIV spent several days in the Spanish Canary Islands, beginning on Gran Canaria and ending in Tenerife, to draw attention to the global migration challenge. He met migrants at the Arguineguín dock, described the harsh Atlantic routes and the difficulties faced by those fleeing war, poverty and exploitation, and visited local shelters and humanitarian groups.

At the end of the trip the papal aircraft scheduled to depart Tenerife‑North for Rome suffered a technical fault. The pilot announced, “I am sorry to inform you that the defect requires time,” and the flight was cancelled. Spanish King Felipe VI personally escorted the Pope to the airport’s VIP lounge, after which the pontiff continued to Italy aboard the king’s own plane. Vatican officials and journalists were later flown back on a replacement Iberia aircraft.

The visit, which also included meetings with Spanish monarchs and a speech in the Spanish parliament, was intended to spotlight migrant experiences and the Church’s role in humanitarian aid.