Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the Canary Islands Government, expressed his hope on Monday that the message of migratory welcome conveyed by Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Spain "has resonated deeply." Cabello emphasized the need for the archipelago not to face the management of the so-called 'Atlantic route' alone.
During a press conference following the Governing Council meeting, Cabello stressed that, beyond the "photo opportunity" of the papal trip, it is crucial for the Minister of Migration, Elma Sáiz, to "take action" and address the "claims" of the Canary Islands regarding migration.
The spokesperson described the Pope's visit as "historic" and highlighted the "enormous welcome and normality" with which the events unfolded in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. He expressed "pride" in the behavior of the Canarian people, especially as it coincided with the entry into force of the asylum and migration pact, regarding which the Executive still has "more doubts than certainties."
Cabello pointed out that the islands are still awaiting a response on how to address the 'southern border,' lamenting the persistent "image" of a route where nearly 700 people have died since January and over 7,000 minors have arrived alone in recent years. "This is not an image that can continue to be repeated," he stated, advocating for a change from the 'dock of shame' to the 'dock of hope' to address the needs of the route and the autonomous community.
Regarding the media impact of the papal visit, he detailed that 28 international television channels broadcast information, and the audience in Spain reached 18.8 million. "The Canary Islands have been at the center of the debate, and we hope they will be in the focus of consciences," he concluded.
