Anticipation is palpable among the young members of the Christian movement Hakuna in Tenerife. Every Wednesday, the Church becomes the meeting point for their 'holy hour,' a gathering that combines formation, prayer, and fellowship. This time, the atmosphere is filled with excitement for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands on June 11th and 12th.

These weekly meetings, which include a talk given by parish priest Antonio Morales—this time focusing on welcoming the most vulnerable—followed by a moment of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, are fundamental to the movement. According to the coordinator of Hakuna in Tenerife, Javier Brito, it is in these gatherings that "other initiatives are born, such as training or volunteer work."

Hakuna, founded in 2012 by priest José Pedro Manglano, arrived in the Canary Islands in 2021. The movement is organized into groups that weekly celebrate the 'holy hour,' combining ascetic and liturgical formation with adoration. After the spiritual part, a third time for fellowship allows young people to get to know each other better and organize activities like retreats. Their pop songs, composed to support prayer, have gained popularity, consolidating Hakuna as a phenomenon in Catholic music with groups in 28 countries.

Gloria Rubalcaba, a member of the community for almost three years, highlights the importance of Hakuna as "true friends" who offer her "a welcoming community" in Tenerife, beyond Christian support. Music is a central pillar of the movement, with Hakuna Group Music enlivening the meetings and composing lyrics that serve as spiritual support.

The young people from Tenerife will participate as faithful attendees at the final Mass that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate on June 12th in the Port of Santa Cruz, while the group from Gran Canaria will perform as an opening act at the Eucharist on June 11th at the Gran Canaria Stadium. The papal visit is experienced with great enthusiasm, recalling that Hakuna emerged from the call of Pope Francis.

Hakuna has also influenced the papal visit to Spain, participating in the creation of the anthem "Alza la mirada" (Raise Your Gaze) and providing voices for its music video. The experience of recording the anthem, which brought together young people from various dioceses, is considered a prelude to the unity expected during the pontiff's visit.

In addition to Hakuna's activities, the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) has made support materials available on its official website for the Pope's visit, aimed at young people and group leaders. These resources cover the figure of the Pope, the meaning of his leadership, and include reflection and prayer activities.