The Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Carolina Darias, has unveiled the city's Golden Key, which will be bestowed upon His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during his institutional visit. This gesture symbolizes the official welcome and the open, hospitable nature of the Gran Canarian capital.

Darias described the distinction as a recognition of "great historical symbolism" and an expression of the city's identity. "The city wishes to pay homage to His Holiness, particularly as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and for the values he represents," citing "unity, solidarity, understanding, peace, and the ability to build bridges with all of humanity."

The awarding of the Golden Key is the highest municipal honor, traditionally reserved for foreign heads of state and highly significant personalities. The Mayor emphasized that the city feels "honored" and noted that months of preparation have gone into this special occasion, with the last similar distinctions granted in 1996 to several Nobel laureates.

Fernando Ruiz, a merchant and businessman responsible for the design, explained that the key is crafted from low-melting-point metals, gold-plated, and presented in acrylic with a display case. It incorporates the city's coat of arms to symbolize that the distinction is given on behalf of all citizens.

The official chronicler of the city, Juan José Laforet, provided historical context for the origin of the Golden Key, tracing it back to walled medieval cities that symbolically handed over their gates' keys to visiting monarchs or authorities as a sign of trust and hospitality. He recalled that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria had defensive walls until the mid-19th century, thus justifying the presentation of this symbolic key to its most distinguished visitors.