The apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands, planned for May 2026, will bring national and international attention to the complex migratory reality facing the archipelago. During his stay, which will include stops in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, the pontiff is expected to meet with individuals who have arrived via the Atlantic Route, as well as with various organizations dedicated to humanitarian assistance and migrant integration.

This statement was made by the Bishop of Tenerife during the presentation of the pontiff's agenda in Spain. The prelate emphasized that the presence of the Holy Father in the islands will serve as a message of encouragement for the Church and for entities working with the migrant population, elevating this humanitarian crisis to a national, European, and international forefront. He also called for awareness regarding the migratory phenomenon and the suffering it entails.

In the same vein, the Bishop of the Canary Islands shared the view that the Pope “will shed light on a reality that is not a problem in itself, but a consequence of globalization.” He stressed the need to balance the right to migrate, the right not to migrate, the common good, and human dignity, a debate in which the papal figure will undoubtedly provide a valuable perspective.

Regarding the recent arrival in the Canary Islands of a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak and its potential impact on the papal visit, the Bishop of the Canary Islands expressed confidence that “if things are done well, everything can be controlled.” Recalling his background in Preventive Medicine, he noted that while infections are believed to be under control, reality is more complex. However, he sought to reassure the public, stating that “this does not seem to be the case, because it is a controlled infection and a known virus,” making it “unlikely to become a pandemic at this time.”