Journalists Highlight Pope's Visit to Gran Canaria as Tour's Climax

National and international media professionals agree on the event's significance in Arguineguín and global interest.

Generic image of a crowd gathered in a Canary Islands plaza during a public event.
IA

Generic image of a crowd gathered in a Canary Islands plaza during a public event.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Gran Canaria has been described by national and international journalists as the climax of his tour of Spain, with special emphasis on the event in Arguineguín.

Communication professionals covering the Supreme Pontiff's visit to the island unanimously agreed that the event in Arguineguín was the most significant moment of the entire tour. The San Ignacio de Loyola school in the Vegueta neighborhood became the nerve center for the work of reporters, camera operators, presenters, and photographers.
Shortly before leaving the designated classroom to head to the Gran Canaria Stadium, reporters expressed unified opinions on the importance of the stop in Gran Canaria. Journalist Alfons Luna, from Agencia France Press, noted the significant interest in the neighboring country regarding the Pope's first European visit, calling it a meaningful moment of his pontificate and confirming that "Leo XIV did not disappoint."
Jaime Vizcaíno, from Vatican News, explained that the Holy See dispatched two work groups to cover the tour, one to Madrid-Gran Canaria and another to Barcelona-Tenerife, emphasizing the international dimension of the trip. He highlighted the importance of the Pope's messages, particularly the one from Arguineguín concerning the most vulnerable people.
Quique Robles, from Iglesia Noticias, expressed surprise at the large number of faithful on the island and the firmness of Leo XIV's first address in Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, José Ramón Navarro Pareja, from ABC, considered the Arguineguín event the "foundational act" of the trip, despite occurring near the end of the tour, and linked it to visit plans conceived during Pope Francis's papacy. He also mentioned the significance of the public message of Catholic faith in Cibeles and the insights from the congress.
Finally, Ana Sosa, from Portuguese public television, underscored the Arguineguín speech, interpreting it as a critique of Europe regarding immigration.