The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Gran Canaria has exceeded all expectations, with nearly 37,000 people already registered to attend the mass he will celebrate at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. The Diocese of Canarias has confirmed that registrations continue to grow at a rate of 2,000 per day for this event, which is set to be the highlight of an apostolic visit focused on charity and the migration crisis.
The pontiff's schedule will begin at 10:50 AM with his arrival at the Gando air base, followed by a transfer to Arguineguín pier. This location was chosen for its strong symbolic value, aiming to “shed light on this issue of migration, which is so manipulated and politically exploited,” as explained by the bishop of the Diocese of Canarias. The event will pay tribute to both migrants and the many people of goodwill involved in their reception.
“"If we want globalization, we have migration."
In Arguineguín, the Pope will hear testimonies from African and Latin American migrants, as well as from emergency teams like Salvamento Marítimo. A floral offering will be made at sea in memory of those who perished on the Canarian Route, and a commemorative cross made from cayuco wood will be installed. The bishop emphasized the inseparable link between globalization and migration, noting that Canarias, as a border region, faces this reality before other places. This gathering will be attended by approximately 2,000 people, mainly families and reception personnel, with access restricted by invitation.
Subsequently, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. After being welcomed by the mayor near the Teatro Pérez Galdós, he will proceed in the popemobile to the Cathedral of Canarias. At 1:30 PM, he will hold a meeting with members of the Church at the Cathedral of Santa Ana, attended by 500-600 people. Santa Ana Square will have 1,300 chairs for attendees to follow the event. The pontiff will then have lunch and rest at the Bishopric of the Diocese of Canarias before departing the next morning.
The day's main event will be the Eucharist at 6:30 PM at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. To accommodate the large number of faithful, the Gran Canaria Arena and the stadium's annex have also been equipped with giant screens. Before the mass, the Pope will tour all three venues in the popemobile. The celebration will feature the images of the Virgen del Pino and the Cristo de Telde. The organization has mobilized 1,200 volunteers and accredited 1,150 communication professionals, expecting nearly 200 priests from across Spain. The suspension of classes on that day has been suggested to facilitate transportation. Registered attendees will access with a QR code and their ID.
The visit will conclude with a Thanksgiving Eucharist on Sunday, June 14, in Teror. Exceptionally, the image of the Santo Cristo de Telde will be transported to accompany the Virgen del Pino at the basilica's portico, an event aimed at strengthening the bonds of faith and coexistence on the island.
