The island institution will allocate half a million euros to cover the costs associated with the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Gran Canaria. The decision was unanimously approved during the Cabildo's plenary session held this Friday.

The President of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, described the pontiff's arrival as a "historic visit" and explained that the possibility of declaring June 11th a public holiday was considered, although it was not ultimately feasible. Morales also advocated for suspending classes in Canary Islands on that day and encouraged teleworking in public administrations and private companies where possible.

Significant traffic disruptions are anticipated, particularly due to the announced closure of the southern highway (GC-1) for the event planned at the port of Arguineguín.

In response to a question from the Popular Group, the Minister of Sustainable Mobility, Teodoro Sosa, detailed the public transport plans. The Cabildo is organizing bus shuttles to the various venues of Pope Leo XIV's visit to facilitate access. The use of parking facilities at the university campus of Tafira is being considered as a departure point for a shuttle to Siete Palmas, where a large mass will be held.

Additionally, a parking area will be set up in Arucas to connect with direct buses to the capital. The park-and-ride facility in El Rincón will also be utilized for the same purpose, and negotiations are underway with the shopping centers Las Terrazas, El Mirador, and Alcampo in Jinámar and Telde to establish further transport points.

The interchange points of Santa Catalina and San Telmo will play a crucial role in the mobility plan, which is being coordinated among the Cabildo, the operators Global and Guaguas Municipales, and the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the entity that will manage the operation.