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Papal Visit Triggers Traffic Disruptions in Gran Canaria and Tenerife

The DGT implements a special operation with restrictions on major highways in both islands for Pope Leo XIV's visit.

Generic image of police emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night.
IA

Generic image of police emergency lights reflecting on wet asphalt at night.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Tenerife and Gran Canaria on June 11 and 12 will involve significant traffic restrictions on the main roads of both islands, as reported by the DGT.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has approved a special operation affecting the main highways of Gran Canaria and Tenerife due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV on June 11 and 12. The head of the DGT in Las Palmas, Eva Canitrot, described the operation as a mobility challenge, noting it's the first time such an event has been organized in the archipelago.
The Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, justified the scale of the operation by anticipating "massive mobility" unlike previous state visits. Canitrot acknowledged the operation's complexity, as it will impact roads already prone to congestion. "Moving with a completely empty road, given our daily traffic volume, can be complicated," she admitted.
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"This is the first time we are setting up a device like this in the Canary Islands"

Head of the DGT in Las Palmas
Canitrot suggested the situation could serve as a platform to consider new mobility models, such as teleworking or public transport use. In Gran Canaria, the most significant restrictions will occur on June 11 on the GC-1 (9:30 AM-2:00 PM), the GC-3 (1:00 PM-9:00 PM), and the GC-31 (12:45 PM-1:15 PM), all in both directions. On June 12, the GC-1 will again face closures between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, and the GC-31 from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM.
In Tenerife, the operation will focus on three key movements, particularly impacting the TF-5. "Dynamic closures" will be implemented on the TF-5 in the morning and during the return towards the airport around 2:30 PM. Affected roads include the TF-1, TF-2, TF-4, and TF-5. To ensure flow, roadworks will be temporarily suspended, and heavy goods vehicles and dangerous goods transport will be prohibited during specific times and sections, with exemptions for emergency and essential service vehicles.
The chief general of the Guardia Civil, Juan Hernández, announced the deployment of 321 agents. Eva Canitrot emphasized the need for coordination with the municipalities of Mogán, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and La Laguna. The bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Eloy Santiago, apologized for the "inconveniences," while the bishop of the Diocese of Canarias, José Mazuelos, thanked the measures for the "global image of our islands."

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