Canary Islands Prepare for Historic Visit of Pope Leo XIV

Church and Government request class suspensions and remote work to manage anticipated massive turnout.

Image of a stadium full of people during a mass event, with giant screens.
IA

Image of a stadium full of people during a mass event, with giant screens.

The Church and organizers of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the Canary Islands have requested class suspensions in Gran Canaria on June 11 and in Tenerife on June 12, anticipating an unprecedented mobilization on both islands.

The Government delegate, Anselmo Pestana, and the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Canarias, Cristóbal Déniz, have urged public administrations and large companies to facilitate remote work during these days and citizens to avoid using private cars if possible. This measure aims to mitigate the impact on mobility during the pontiff's first visit to the archipelago.
Both representatives met in Las Palmas with security forces to coordinate the mobility plan. This plan will ensure the safety of the Pope's route through Gran Canaria, from Arguineguín pier, where his visit begins, to the Estadio de Gran Canaria in the capital, where over 60,000 people are expected to gather.
Those wishing to attend the public event at the stadium and its surroundings in the Siete Palmas neighborhood must register. The registration process will open shortly, and requests will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The Gran Canaria Arena and the parking lot next to the stadium will also be used to follow the event via large screens.

"This is the most important challenge I have faced in these six years."

Anselmo Pestana · Government Delegate
Pestana emphasized that the visit is expected to mobilize “many tens of thousands more people” who will want to see Pope Leo XIV during his travels. To this end, a traffic plan with up to 48 specific road closures has been designed, and “probably the most significant security deployment in recent years” will be implemented, involving thousands of agents, some of whom will be transferred from the mainland.
The organization has also contacted Telefónica to reinforce telecommunications services, anticipating a possible collapse due to the concentration of mobile devices. Auxiliary Bishop Cristóbal Déniz stated that the goal is for this historic visit to be utilized by the largest number of people and to proceed with maximum security.

"We are very happy preparing all the moments of encounter with our people and we hope it will be a happy event for everyone."

Cristóbal Déniz · Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Canarias
Nearly a thousand volunteers have already offered their help, and this number is expected to increase. Volunteer registration will open next week through parishes, groups, and individually.