Beyond the brief stay of the pontiff in Tenerife, his visit will leave a lasting mark on the social work of the Nivarian Diocese. The bishop of the Diocese of Tenerife, a prelate from Gran Canaria, reported that any surplus from the economic collection to cover the expenses of the papal visit to Spain will be allocated to this social project.
The visit to Spain, estimated at around fifteen million euros, will be financed and organized by the Catholic Church, with possible collaboration from public administrations and private benefactors. The trip includes four locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, each managing its own surpluses. Global contributions, such as the profits from the visit's anthem, will be divided equally among the four dioceses.
“"Depending on the money remaining after all expenses related to the visit to Tenerife have been met, it is the wish of the prelate of the Nivarian Diocese to establish a day center in La Laguna, in collaboration with Cáritas, similar to the one already existing in La Palma."
The center, unofficially known as Casa León, in honor of the pontiff, will be located in an existing building that will only require adaptations. It will feature a dining room, services, a wardrobe, and legal advice for migrants, in addition to offering lunch and a small catering service for dinner. The final decision on its location in the center of La Laguna will depend on the available economic resources, given the city's status as a World Heritage Site.
According to 2024 data, approximately 250 people were registered in situations of residential exclusion in La Laguna, a number expected to have increased. This reality underscores the need for initiatives like Casa León to serve a vulnerable population on the island.
