Pope Leo XIV to Visit Canary Islands in June for Historic Trip

The pontiff will make his first visit to the archipelago on June 11 and 12, focusing on migration with events in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Generic image of a crowd in a stadium during a mass event.
IA

Generic image of a crowd in a stadium during a mass event.

Pope Leo XIV is set to make a historic visit to the Canary Islands on June 11 and 12, marking the first time a pontiff has visited the archipelago, with an agenda focused on the migration phenomenon and large-scale events in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

The Spanish Episcopal Conference has confirmed that the choice of the Canary Islands for this visit, part of his trip to Spain, highlights the region's significance in the context of migration. The Holy Father's agenda will be heavily influenced by this social reality.
On Thursday, June 11, the Pope will arrive in Gran Canaria from Barcelona. His first stop will be the port of Arguineguín, where he will meet with migrants, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to assisting people arriving by dinghy. Subsequently, he will travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for an event at the Cathedral of Santa Ana and a large public gathering at the Estadio de Gran Canaria, expected to draw around 80,000 people. Shuttle buses and an extensive security operation will be in place to facilitate attendance.
That same afternoon, the pontiff will move to Tenerife, where he will spend the night, following a last-minute change in the initial plan. On Friday, June 12, his agenda in Tenerife will include another meeting with migrants at the Las Raíces reception center. Afterwards, he will tour Santa Cruz in the popemobile before presiding over the final Eucharist of his visit to Spain at the port of the Tenerife capital. The King and Queen and representatives of the central government are expected to attend this event.
The organization estimates that the visit will mobilize thousands of people, with over 5,000 volunteers registered. Attendance at the events will be free, though prior registration will be required. The economic impact of the trip is estimated at over 100 million euros, with direct costs exceeding 15 million. The diocese is also considering holding other events in Gran Canaria, such as an additional vigil or mass, pending confirmation from the Vatican. Under the motto “Lift up your gaze,” the visit aims to project a message of openness and attention to others, placing the Canary Islands in the international spotlight.