Pope Leo XIV begins his historic visit to the Canary Islands on Thursday, making him the first pontiff ever to set foot on the archipelago. The visit, part of his sixth and penultimate day of the apostolic journey to Spain, focuses on migration and will start on the island of Gran Canaria.
The pope will fly from Barcelona to Gran Canaria in the morning, arriving before local noon. Local authorities and church leaders are expected to welcome him at the airport. He will then travel to the port of Arguineguin on the southwestern coast, where he will meet with migrants and those involved in their reception, including a maritime rescuer and a volunteer. He will also pay tribute to those who have died at sea.
The port of Arguineguin has been called a „port of shame” since 2020, when over two thousand migrants from Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco and other African countries arrived within a week, coinciding with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The migrants, unable to leave the port, were held in extremely difficult conditions, sleeping on the concrete waterfront. Caritas provided assistance at the time.
The situation in Arguineguin became a symbol of the broader migration crisis on the Atlantic route. Many of the arrivals had spent days on overcrowded boats, and upon landing they faced uncertainty and a lack of proper infrastructure. The conditions sparked widespread outrage and calls for better reception facilities.
A port of shame: the migrant crisis in Arguineguin
The crisis highlighted the human cost of migration. The pope’s decision to visit this specific location underscores the Church’s commitment to standing with the most vulnerable. Since 2020, the Canary Islands have continued to see high numbers of arrivals, with thousands of people risking their lives to reach Europe.
Pope Francis had previously announced his intention to visit the Canary Islands. – I spoke to journalists about these plans – said Pope Francis. His successor is now fulfilling that goal, making the visit a continuation of Francis’ focus on migration.
A message of solidarity and remembrance
During the visit to Arguineguin, the pope will listen to the stories of migrants and those who help them. He will participate in a ceremony honoring the memory of those who died trying to cross the Atlantic. Later, he will meet with local clergy at the Cathedral of Saint Anne in Las Palmas, where he will discuss the role of the Church in migrant reception.
The visit sends a clear message of solidarity and calls for humane migration policies. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis on Europe’s southern borders. The pope’s presence is a powerful gesture of hope for many migrants and a challenge to political leaders to act with compassion.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
