In San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, described as a "city without walls," Pope Leo XIV dedicated his final day in Spain to listening to the experiences of those working for dignified reception and inclusion of migrant populations arriving in the Canary Islands.
The pontiff explicitly addressed inclusion, highlighting La Laguna as an open city, free not only from physical barriers but also from those built by "a look, fear, or indifference" towards newcomers.
The Pope also termed the situation of those left alone in a city, without language, connections, work, or trust, and exposed to exploitation, as a "silent shipwreck."
At the Plaza del Cristo, before an audience of approximately 2,400 people, many of them migrants, individuals dedicated to this cause shared their stories. Among them was Venezuelan priest Darwin Rivasel, serving in La Restinga (El Hierro), who recounted his seven years in the Canary Islands applying Pope Francis's four verbs: "welcome, protect, promote, and integrate."
“"It is worth continuing to help and for Christians to recognize in those who arrive the suffering flesh of Christ."
Also sharing their experiences were a Colombian woman, a young man from Morocco, and another from Senegal, who, after overcoming great hardships, managed to rebuild their lives in the Canary Islands. They expressed gratitude to the Pope for his presence and attention to their stories.
Khalid Allad, a 24-year-old Moroccan migrant, recounted his second attempt to reach the Canary Islands in 2020 after a first shipwreck, and how the Church's help enabled him to secure work, residency, and a new life, despite his father's prohibition.
“"Thank you very much, Holy Father, your presence today is another example for me that Christians care about migrants like me."
Mbacke, a young Senegalese man, expressed his gratitude for the support received at the El Buen Samaritano Foundation, where he found "respect, patience," and the message that "you are worth it, you can do it." He urged not to forget that "behind every young migrant there is a dream, a praying mother, and a life that deserves a chance."
“"Thank you for not looking away and for welcoming young people like me."
Thalia Johana Saldarriaga Diago from Colombia explained how she arrived in Spain with the hope of a better life, and how, despite finding herself without resources, the support of organizations provided her with "a roof, an opportunity for reception, hope, and the recovery of dignity."
She currently volunteers, feeling that her experience can serve as a bridge for others in similar situations.
During the event in La Laguna, the Pope also listened to traditional Peruvian music performed by the local community. Afterward, he proceeded to the Diocese of Nivariense Bishopric before the farewell Mass in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
