The countdown to an unprecedented event in the archipelago has begun. The historic visit of the Pontiff of the Catholic Church to the Canary Islands will mark an absolute milestone in regional chronicles, being the first time a Pope sets foot on island territory. Given the magnitude of the event and the foreseeable mass movement of citizens, the Government of the Canary Islands has decided to suspend school classes on Thursday, June 11, in Gran Canaria and on Friday, June 12, on the island of Tenerife, aiming to ensure citizen safety and transportation fluidity.
The apostolic journey of Leo XIV will be marked by a social and institutional agenda of high impact. The visit will unfold over two days, affecting the two capital islands.
On Thursday, June 11, the day will focus on Gran Canaria. The papal plane will land at 10:50 AM at the Gando Air Base, where an institutional reception will take place. Subsequently, at 11:40 AM, the Pope will travel to the Port of Arguineguín for a social encounter with migrants, volunteers, and NGOs, where he will deliver his first official speech on Canarian soil.
At 1:30 PM, the pontiff will proceed to the Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for a closed-door meeting with ecclesiastical representatives. The day's highlight event will be a large Mass at 6:30 PM in the Estadio de Gran Canaria, which is expected to host thousands of faithful.
On Friday, June 12, the visit will move to Tenerife. After landing at 9:10 AM, Leo XIV will visit the Las Raíces Welcome Center at 9:30 AM to dialogue with migrants. At 10:10 AM, he will move to the Plaza del Cristo de La Laguna to meet with citizen entities and social integration organizations.
The institutional agenda will conclude with a grand Eucharist at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 12:15 PM. Finally, the Holy Father will return to Tenerife North Airport for the farewell ceremony, with his plane scheduled to depart for Rome at 3:00 PM.




