Santa Cruz de Tenerife experienced a historic day this Friday with the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Beyond the massive mass and official images, thousands of personal stories marked a day that many will remember forever.
From nine in the morning, numerous attendees began arriving at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the chosen venue for the central act of the papal visit to the island, to witness the final mass and event that Leo XIV would offer on his trip to Spain.
Most came from different parts of Tenerife, although people also arrived from other islands, including El Hierro. This island, absent from the visit to the Canary Islands, has been a symbol of the Atlantic migration route to Spain, with the port of La Restinga as a key point.
A group of over 200 people from El Hierro, positioned in the front rows, displayed the banner “El Hierro Alza la mirada” (El Hierro Raises its Gaze). According to María Teresa Pérez, speaking to EFE, they wanted to send a message to the Pope about the island's soul and its attention to migrants. Pérez particularly valued the Pontiff's messages on immigration, seeking to awaken "humanity, welcome, and solidarity".
El Hierro is "a small island but with a big heart," stated Pérez, who recalled the inhabitants' willingness to help, but also the need for support from administrations.
Attendees from La Gomera were among the earliest, with a group of over 250 people leaving from Valle Gran Rey at four in the morning to take the first boat to Tenerife.
Among them was María Méndez, who, in tears, described the day as "the ultimate" and something that "only happens once in a lifetime." The wait of more than four hours was marked by the exchange of experiences among strangers united by the desire to witness an event considered unrepeatable.
Entire families, parish groups, young people, the elderly, and individuals with reduced mobility coexisted in an atmosphere of anticipation and emotion. Among the nearly 40,000 attendees, according to Vatican figures, was Josué González.
Josué González highlighted the visit's motto, “Alzad la mirada” (Raise your gaze), for encouraging people to keep "their feet on the ground" without losing spiritual perspective, urging connection with God in a world he considers "a bit crazy".
Marc Coine, a Belgian resident in Tenerife accompanied by his daughter, stated that his presence was due to both faith and the historic nature of the visit. He valued Pope Leo XIV's references to immigration and peace, considering it fundamental to hear the pontiff speak given concerns about the international situation.
Emotion was particularly visible upon the Pope's arrival to the rhythm of chácaras (traditional Canary instruments) and the chant “Sí, sí, sí el papa ya está aquí” (Yes, yes, yes the Pope is here). Applause and tears followed among the faithful, many of whom took out their phones to capture the moment as a memento.
Volunteers were silent protagonists, hundreds of individuals who, with caps and good humor, dedicated their time and energy to ensure the event ran smoothly. Jacob Rodríguez, one of them, was present from the opening of the venue, assisting attendees.
Jacob welcomed everyone with the phrase “Agua, gorra y alegría” (Water, cap, and joy). There was space for curiosities such as Vatican flags alongside those of saints and virgins from many municipalities and islands, as well as t-shirts from NGOs linked to migrant rescue and religious objects for blessing.
As the mass concluded and the streets began to empty, hours of emotion, encounters, and personal experiences were left behind. Anonymous stories that, although not featured in official speeches, contributed to making Pope Leo XIV's visit an unforgettable date for many Canary Islanders.
